Hola! Sorry, it’s been a while. But now, another Olive Branches chapter!
By pathfinder4ever
Friday, September 11 – Omari Brown
Hundreds of innocent lives, snatched…in just one day. This happened just a few states over, in New York. New York borders Ontario.
Is anyone here from New York?
I sit up as I hear Davi mention New York. Today is September 11th, and we are learning about the attacks on the twin towers in class.
My favourite musician, Cory Henry, is from Brooklyn. That’s in New York. I went on a tour there one time….
It’s actually where my brothers passed away…
My older brothers, Joshua and Elijah were the oldest in my family. I always looked up to them, especially Josh. He taught me everything about music.
I remember the day we got into the accident.
Josh and Elijah finally let me tag along on a music tour on the east coast. Boston, New York, Philly.
It was going so well.
2:46 am.
I struggled to keep my eyes open as we drove along the dark roads. My eyes were heavy and I could barely see outside.
Joshua, Elijah, and a friend named Jaden Campbell were the only other passengers.
We were on our way back to the hotel after the last concert of the week.
Suddenly , a splat of slimy substance on the front windshield jerked me out of my sleepiness.
Eggs?
My brother Joshua swerved into the side of the road, but in his grogginess he must have failed to realize it was a bridge. The car instantly flipped to the side, and the impact left it lopsided. The front half was hanging at an angle over the rushing river below. I screamed in horror as a smokey smell filled the car. Jaden quickly loosened my seatbelt and broke the backseat window so I could get out.
I was only 11, but it still feels so recent. My leg got stuck while I tried to get out, and I sliced it on the broken glass. I stumbled onto the side of the empty road. It was dark aside from the beaming moon light.
I could feel warm liquid gushing out from my leg. Tears stung my face as I called out for my brothers.
Jaden quickly dialed 911 as he rushed to help my injured brothers. As I looked up, I noticed dark figures walking toward the car.
I couldn’t tell what it was. I was losing too much blood.
I was nearly unconscious at this point.
All I remember from there is hearing loud noises.
Three hours later, I woke up in a hospital bed.
A kind couple from Ontario brought me in their backseat to the hospital. I have no idea how they found me. The doctors said it was a miracle that they had found me. They left before I woke up, but they did leave a small note.
They said I was sprawled on the side of the bridge, and I had been mistaken for an injured animal.
I felt so weak and afraid. Once I opened my eyes fully, I began to scream for my brothers and Jaden. It took three nurses to calm me down.
They explained to me that Jaden was in the ICU fighting for his life. He was covered in injuries. It was so odd, because he was fine when he helped me. But he was found unconscious as well, severe head injuries. He has no recollection of the accident. Matter of fact, everyone thinks I was hallucinating, hence my memory of the dark figures. I don’t know.
The only way they got to ID us was because of our license plate.
The car had “fallen” off the bridge after the accident, and the wreckage was found almost immediately. Search and rescue did not find my brothers, who supposedly had drowned after falling off the bridge. The high waters of the rushing rivers were too dangerous to search in. They were declared dead that day.
I screamed for what seemed to be hours on end in that hospital bed.
Why me, God?
The one time my brothers agreed to let me go. Why couldn’t He take me instead?
I still have the scar from that accident, but it’s not the worst of it. My brothers are gone…..
And they’ll never be back.
4 thoughts on “Olive Branches, Chapter 20”
Wow… this is a sad chapter. This story is very moving and powerful. The details and emotions clearly show the deep loss and pain, and the link to 9/11 adds a strong, emotional layer.
Agreed. I didn’t expect this!! But still a good chapter, like all of them are.
Amazing descriptions!
hmmm…. something seems off about his brothers’ disappearance…