I was out of state, at school, when it happened. I tried all day to reach my family in New York City, but calls wouldn’t go through – too much traffic. Finally, after nine pm, I was able to reach my mother. I was so glad to hear her voice and know that she was alright.

Through sobs, she told me how she had planned to visit Century 21 that morning and that the only reason she hadn’t was because she forgot to set her alarm clock.