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“One more picture with your mother!” Kim’s dad excitedly shouted to her above the roar of the busy crowd at the airport terminal.
“Dad, please. It’s not like I’m dying or anything. Enough pictures.”
“One month is a long time honey. Any time a daughter of mine is gone longer than a week it’s picture worthy.”
Flash.
“How embarrassing,” Kim muttered under her breath.
“Now did you remember to bring your toothbrush?”
“Yes mom. I brought my toothbrush, toothpaste and the whole medicine cabinet is in my bag. Loosen up, it’s just one month. I will come home.”
“I can’t believe you’re already sixteen. The years have just flown by. I remember when you’re mother had to do this penguin walk because she was so pregnant…”
“Oh, dad please don’t demonstrate again. The last time someone thought you were having a seizure.”
“You’re going to love the program hon. The dance schedule will be grueling, but you’l1 learn so much. I’m so glad you have this opportunity.
“Thanks mom, I know I’ll have a terrific time. Oh, please don’ cry.”
“I can’t help it. The house is going to feel so empty with you gone. “
“I have to agree with your mother. We’re really going to miss you sweetie, but we’re so proud of you. Here, I have a gift for you.”
“Dad, you didn’t have to gee me anything.”
Kim carefully unwrapped the satin pink paper and opening the little green velet box. Sitting exquisitely on a little white pillow was a sterling sliver set of ballet shoes which hung delinquently from a silver chain.
“Oh dad, it’s gorgeous.”
“Now, you have to remember us while you’re dancing you’re days away down there.”
“How could I forget you two…I think I just heard my flight number being called. Well mom, dad, this is it. I love both of you so much! And don’t worry, I’ll call and write and do all the good daughter things.”
Kim gave her parents one last big hug and headed through the secretly gate, stopping and waving one last time at her forlorn parents. Two sets of hands waved back.
“How are we going to handle her leaving for college?”
“I don’t know Sheila. I don’t want to think about it. Come on. Let’s go home.”
Kim made herself as comfortable as could on. Airplanes always made her a little nervous. She pulled out her journal and begin documenting her new journey. She glanced up and made eye contact with another passenger who looked like he shared her fear of flying. His dark eyes pierced into hers. She quickly looked away. The stewardess came offering refreshments. She gratefully accepted a cup of water and tried to focus on her writing. Her parents wanted to hear every moment about her trip.
She brushed her fingers against her new gift around her neck. As quirky as her dad was, she loved and admired him more that any other guy she’d ever known.
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“Greg!” Sheila’s voice rang out in terror. “Come here. Oh God, no, please no…”
Sheila stared at the television in utter shock as her eyes tried to process all the information she was seeing.
She was staring at a frantic reporter who was anxiously reporting facts about a terrorist attack. The camera cut to two burning buildings-the Twin Towers had been hit.
“Kim…That’s Kim’s flight.” Sheila crumbled to the ground. Shock prevented her tears from flowing, her words from speaking.
This story is dedicated to all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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