And Then, The World Stopped

It was a beautifully calm September morning. The TV chattered in the background as she got ready. She was so excited to be heading into the city for lunch with her son.

Sara had a bad habit of running late and in fact was running late when she received the call that would forever alter every minute that followed it.

"Hello, this is Sara." She heard the words, but it was as if they no longer held meaning. The voice on the other end continued speaking, but Sara had disappeared into that moment.

"Hello? Are you still there.... hello...?"

***

The sun shone brighter than she had ever seen, as they wrapped their new bundle of joy in his bright blue and green cashmere blanket. The excitement was palpable as they made their first official debut. It seemed as if everyone was smiling, anxiously waiting to get a glimpse of this little creature that had completely turned their worlds happily, upside down. For months they worked tirelessly to get everything just right for his arrival. From the nursery and all throughout the house, changes were made to keep him as safe and happy as possible.

All the firsts exploded vividly in her mind, like the fireworks they had taken him to every year since he was 4. He was completely enamored by the flashes of light and sounds. She remembered thinking, could life get any better?

First steps, first words and then the ultimate first days of school. They seemed to fly by like the autumn leaves in the fall. Every day he found himself safely in the center of their universe. And he liked it there.

The time came however when he longed for his freedom, the natural pull of a child from his parents. Growth has its way. Flashing through her mind were first dates, soccer matches and driving. She remembered the day he came to them begging for forgiveness; he had taken a turn too fast and completely wiped out the neighbor's fence. He spent the next few months doing odd jobs to pay them back. He smiled brightly as he placed the last of his debt into his father's hands. Pride filled his face as his father hugged him, reiterating the importance of being a safe considerate driver.

Graduation came and he was top of his class, no parent could have been as proud as they were the moment he crossed the platform, tossing his tassel, celebrating his successes.

They packed his car and through happy tears, waved him onto his next big adventure.

Years later, they were thrilled to hear he had been offered his first real job out of college. He would be moving and starting his new position for a finance company in New York City, that June.

The next few months were busy. Everyone pitched in packing up his belongings. She lost herself reminiscing as she sorted through the years of memories they had kept collected in tubs and boxes. Her heart was full of joy for the new adventures that awaited her son.

***

"Hello? Mom are you still there...mom?" He continued, his voice low and calm.

She collapsed to the floor as her attention was drawn to the television, she listened closely to her son's voice, "it's going to be ok mom, they have assured us that we are safe. We are about to evacuate the building now. Don't try coming to town, I will come to you, I will be there shortly. I love you, mom..."

Then, the call dropped.