When I get back upstairs, Virginia is agitated. “I just saw a second plane smash into the South Tower live on the tube! “ she exclaims.

I have to leave immediately, or I’ll be late. Adjusting my tie, donning my photo ID, stuffing my class materials into my backpack, I throw it over my shoulder and hasten towards the Union Square subway station, to catch the Lexington Avenue Express to City Hall.

An ominous gray black pall of smoke rises in the distance as I beginning walking south; it disappears behind the skyline as I approach 17th Street. I‘m looking forward to taking closer photos. The magnitude of the disaster hasn’t sunk in.

As I enter the station a crowded 4 train waits, and I jam on. It pulls slowly out of the station. People on the train are confused, worried. Some are trying to use cell phones. There are nervous conversations between strangers. Conflicting announcements about train service come over the PA. A normally 6 minute trip takes 20 minutes of stops and starts.