Teen Style

Richmond County

Never Forgotten
By Kristina Vandeloecht~11th Grade

   My twin sister and I stand here majestically. Tall, thin and sleek. We have shown support to millions of people through the years. Men, women and children have stared in awe at out beauty. For years we have protected and have been protected.

    It started out as many of the other beautiful summer days through the years. I watched as my many workers entered the door to begin their day. The children went to daycares, the men and women were rushing and the smell of coffee and quick breakfasts filled my corridors. Most people took the elevators while others, who were either on a health kick or too impatient to wait for the elevators, took the stairs.

    Outside there was a humming in the air. The local airport, I’m sure, had started their day just as normal as mine. Strangely enough, the humming got closer. As I looked out my windows toward the sky, I saw the airplane getting a little too close for comfort toward my sister. I wasn’t too concerned because things like this have happened before and the airport always took care of it. However, as the plane got closer I could feel that something just wasn’t right. It was then that the plane flew into my sister’s windows. As I stood in stunned fear, I could hear people screaming. I could feel the impact and heat envelop me. For sixteen minutes I stood, watched and heard the complete pandemonium that surrounded me. Then the unthinkable happened; the moment I will never forget long as I’m here on Earth. It was at that moment that I felt the force of the second plane that smashed through my life. I could smell the burning of fuel, the burning of objects and the burning of flesh. But most of all, I could smell the fear. Then I heard them. The men and women who had come to my rescue so many times before. The brave men and women who were the first to show up, when a left-on coffee pot started to burn. When there was any type of emergency they were the first ones here, as they were now. I see their strength and courage. Even as I watched the tower beside me collapse, I vowed to be as strong and courageous as the men and women running up the stairs to save my people. I have supported these people for thirty-one years and I won’t let them down now.

    Wait a minute! Something’s not right; I’m losing the battle. I want to scream to these people to get out now. All I can do is moan. I feel myself swaying and know I can’t hold on much longer. I know in my heart that I will be the death of many. Some will be saved but most will be lost, including the ones trying to save others. In an instant I knew the end had arrived. I felt the walls crumbling. I felt the floors give way. I felt the total destruction of everything I had ever stood for. Then there was silence.

    Now there is nothing. Only the memories of the past. My beauty is also a thing of the past, but eternal. As I lay in the museum of our great nation’s capitol, in pieces, I will always remember. I also know that I will always be remembered. I can see it in the little girl’s eyes, who is standing over me. I know her and others like her will remember and pass on my memory. As years go by, no matter what happens, my pieces will always be seen and remembered as The South Tower. Never to be forgotten.