Where’s Tom?

11 Sep

I stood frozen in front of the flickering images on my TV.

I quickly squeezed my eyes shut, effectively blocking the image from my eyes, but not my brain.

I must be dreaming.

I opened my eyes …

The nightmare was still smoldering. I dropped to my sofa and stared. Tears began tickling the corners of my lids – I did not try to stop them.

“Do you know where Tom is?” my sister said. She looked at her cell phone. “I can’t get a hold of him.”

I gasped.

“What?”

My sister didn’t hear the newscaster.

I knew where Tom was.

I looked back at the TV – the buildings continued to burn.

*************************

Write up to 100 words, fact or fiction….

This is a themed writing meme hosted by Jenny Matlock. The goal is to write something that does not exceed 100 words (not including said prompt). The prompt appears in bold.

9 Responses to “Where’s Tom?”

  1. Anna's Adornments, Sweden September 18, 2010 at 8:39 pm #

    I am assuming and hoping that this is fiction. If so, very well writtng. A gripping piece because we go inside of someone who has just lost someone and feel with her both disbelief and chock.
    Goes right to the heart.
    Best wishes,
    Anna
    Anna’s SC-Remembering 9/11

  2. Terra September 18, 2010 at 6:46 am #

    so emotional. Really. This one hit me in the heart.

  3. Jenny Matlock September 16, 2010 at 5:37 pm #

    Amazing. I am reading these several days late and being astounded at the sense of community and memory I am feeling through the links and then…

    BAM!

    You hit me right between the eyes with this.

    What evocative writing.

    Thank you for linking.

  4. Jenners September 12, 2010 at 7:50 pm #

    Echoing the other comments … hoping Tom was not a real person for you. Gives me the shivers … along with that photo.

  5. Viki September 12, 2010 at 12:21 pm #

    Very well written but very sad.

  6. Ames September 12, 2010 at 9:53 am #

    Very realistic. I was pulled right in. I hope it wasn’t real, and I pray that Tom was not among the lost. Excellent use of the prompt and very good writing.~Ames

  7. jfb57 September 12, 2010 at 5:41 am #

    A harrowing piece Karen.

  8. Sue Anderson September 11, 2010 at 4:30 pm #

    Powerful story… And I hope not a true one, for you at least. I’m sure it was a pretty accurate depiction for many families.

    Thanks.

  9. Claudia Mundell September 11, 2010 at 4:27 pm #

    Too real…I shudder at your paragraph’s power.

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