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will not happen. I live my life with a heart that has no space for prejudice. I will not stop living it for someone else's ignorance. I will not let you either."

The way she took force of the situation let Alan's mind slip away into a thought of Lara heading a classroom of adolescents. Controlling their attention and demanding respect. He felt not only a profound love for her, but at that very moment, he had gained an admiration of her.

"Who are you Lara?" the words escaped his lips.

She looked deep into his eyes. "I believe I'm your girlfriend."

She reached for his hand but he withdrew. Her face looked puzzled.

The expletives popped louder from the gang of angry men, and the words of bitter anger and hate flew rapidly in their direction.

"To hell with them. Do you hear me, Alan? To hell with the world! Nothing has changed." She reached for his hand again. Her voice elevated to a roar, she proclaimed, "I love you, Alam Saheed." She knew the angry mob was capable of attacking them at any moment, but she didn't care.

She gripped his hand. Tears rolled down his face. A pause that felt like an eternity elapsed while they stood facing one another. Lara gasped, "My brother was in Tower One," her voice reduced to a whisper, "I must be with my family. Will you come with me, Alan?" Her eyes swelled, and so did his. He nodded.

Their crying was so intense it could have been mistaken for laughter. They both held each other as they walked through the crowded streets. Their faces blending in with the misery, bewilderment, and devastation worn by the faces of every human they passed on the street.

*This is dedicated to the city I love, and the victims and families of the September 11th tragedy.

Learn more about this author, Ryan Headley.
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