Brandon is a 9 year old from New York. To begin, on September 11, 2001, he went to work with his dad at the Twin Towers. Once they arrived at his dad’s office, Brandon ran off and got on an elevator. However, at around 8:46, he heard a loud CLUNK the elevator suddenly stopped. Nobody knew how or why. This was the moment the first plane hit. The impact threw Brandon off his feet and filled the tower with smoke, fire, and confusion. He was separated from his dad and had to find a way out on his own.

After a while, the people in the elevator used a metal fork to pry open the doors so everyone could escape. Soon after, Brandon decided to go with a man named Richard to look for his dad, but they couldn’t go past the 91st floor because of the damage from the impact. Brandon then had his last call with his dad.

Later on, Brandon and Richard followed a police officer down the stairs toward the underground mall. But suddenly, the tower began to collapse, trapping them for a moment. Eventually, they found a way out and survived. In the end, Brandon lived with Richard afterward.  ---Maria, 2nd period

Reshmina is a 11 year old girl from afghanistan.  First, in September 11, 2019 she discovers a wounded American soldier named Taz after a battle breaks out near her Afghan village. Right away, she understands the danger of helping him, since protecting an American could put her entire family at risk from the Taliban. Still, she chooses to act with compassion. Then, Reshmina brings Taz home, where her family secretly hides him and does their best to treat his injuries.

Soon after,  Pasoon tells the Taliban about Taz, then they arrive in the village looking for the missing American. Reshmina’s family must stay calm and pretend they haven’t seen him, even though he is hidden inside their home. Later, a drone strike hits the surrounding area, sending the whole village into chaos and destroying homes. This makes the situation even more dangerous for everyone.

Because of this, Reshmina decides she must guide Taz through the mountains/caves to help him escape before the Taliban find him. The journey is risky, but she is determined to protect him. During this time, Reshmina becomes separated from her twin brother, Pasoon, as the fighting pulls them in opposite directions. In the end, she sees him from far away and realizes they are choosing different paths in life a moment that is emotional, but not final.

Finally, after all the destruction and danger, Reshmina and her family decide to leave their village to search for a safer and more hopeful future.  --Maria , 2nd period