by Michelle Grismer

Created on: September 24, 2009   Last Updated: November 20, 2009

My sister Mary and I raced to the top of the hill which was our summer daily ritual.

We would start at the base of the hill on our street St. Peter .

Then race up the hill to the park at the end of the street.

We met my friend Katie there every morning of our summer vacation.

Katie and her family lived on the other side of the park at the end of the block.

Our families were close from the moment we moved in ten years ago.

The neighborhood had been built down the street from St. Patrick's Catholic church and school.

That morning the day was so beautiful and perfect.

I had found my favorite shorts and hurriedly put them on and threw on a T shirt that had been on the floor but was probably safe.

At thirteen I still hadn't quite gone boy crazy yet. so my appearance wasn't top on my list of things to worry about.

My sister Mary had a boyfriend but he went to a different church school so they talked on the phone endlessly.

Katie and I had been inseparable that summer discovering the joys of freedom of riding our bikes outside of the neighborhood.

Our parents felt like we were mature enough this summer to have more freedom and responsibility.

We arrived at the park and discovered Katie was late.

Mary and I were just putting our kick stands down when we heard a loud pop then a bang sound.

The sky and park were suddenly full of dark black smoke.

Mary and I found each other and hugged so tight in fear of what we didn't know.

" Mary I can't see!" I screamed with all my might even though my throat was tight.

" Just keep your eyes closed ". My sister almost hissed at me.

Several minutes went by and then the world changed forever for me.

My father appeared out of nowhere hugging my sister and I close.

" Where is Katie? " My father had a strange look of panic and fear on his face.

" She's late I guess" my words froze in my mouth.

I knew the truth before anyone spoke the words.

It was Katie's house that had exploded.

Thirty minutes later our neighborhood had been invaded by thousands of people.

The news crew was reporting from one block away.

We walked to the scene and stood in silence.

My father was crying and all I could do was stare in disbelief.

The police and Fire department were swarming around us and asking us to step back.

As if in a fog I watched like a zombie as the fire was put out.

I knew that there were people standing around me patting my back and talking.

The words were buzzing in my head.

I had no comprehension of the meaning.

My eyes and face were swollen

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