Chapter 4

September 11, 2015. Morning.

Bomi POV

I am enveloped in a fierce and blinding windstorm. Still keeping my eyes shut and my left shoulder covering my nose and mouth, I struggle forward.

One step.

Two steps.

Three steps.

Onward. I am trying my best to keep myself calm. All you have to do is move forward Bomi and you’ll soon see daylight again.

Dirt. Stop it.

Ash. Stop it!

Pulverized concrete. Stop it!!

Cremated alive. STOP IT!!!

I try my best not to think about the South Tower’s implosion and what happened to people trapped inside. I’m failing miserably.

‘Don’t give up, Bomi!’ Dad ?

I thought I heard Dad’s voice. Can’t be. He died when I was 6 years old. He taught me how to play basketball. Whenever I hit the floor hard, he always yelled out: ‘Don’t give up, Bomi!’

I won’t give up, Dad.

One step.

Two steps.

Three steps.

Four steps.

‘…’

After what seems like an eternity, I no longer feel the wind hitting my body. I crack my eyelids open slightly and sunlight shines into my eyes.

‘I’M OUT!!!’ My thought said.

I’m covered from head to toe in a grey, powdery ash. I start wiping my face and patting my head. All around me dazed and shellshocked New Yorkers. We look at each other with an incredulous and horrified expression. The World Trade Center has collapsed! I offer a silent prayer for those trapped in the South Tower.

*******

After patting off the ash to the best of my ability, I try dialing my cellphone again.

*BEEP BEEP BEEP*

I’m ready to throw the phone on the ground now. But what if someone tries to call me later ? I shake off my frustration and look back in the direction of the World Trade Center. What I’m seeing scares the HELL out of me. EVERYTHING is covered in the sickening grey ash. Apocalypse has arrived in the Big Apple. Survivors on the street, yes we’re now survivors are all looking back at the WTC. Some are crying, others are heading back in that direction. What now, Bomi ? I decide to head back. Maybe I can help rescue trapped office workers. At least the North Tower is still standing. Thank God. As I get closer to the sit