My heart sunk as I wandered through the ruins of what, if it were just a week ago, I would have called home. Shattered glass shards clinked beneath my feet, shimmering in the light of late afternoon like the teardrops tracing their way down my cheek.

Broken down structures and posts creaked and groaned, shuddering with every gust of wind that swept through the city; If you could even call it one.

My mind drifted off from the ridges of snapped metal, from the horribleness that had destroyed my home, from the grief that tugged at my heart and ached throughout my whole body. Thoughts wandered through the hallway of my mind, opening creeky doors and stooping into flower bordered arches; peeking into the memories that filled my heart and caused droplets to swell in my eyes, memories I had to blink back before they drip dropped down my face and away.

I had no idea how I could have let this happen. I had the chance to save the people of my home, who now lay dead or dying on the sidewalks and roads, or crushed beneath broken boards and collapsed buildings. I honestly couldn’t tell which was worse- the agonizing cries and screams that rang through the sky of those still alive, or the piercing silence of those no longer alive.

If I had just told someone, anyone, maybe I could have stopped this.