Mr. Smith Had Never Before Seen Anything Like This

Tom could only hope that somewhere amid the overwhelming destruction he would find his 16-year-old son

Only the slim hope of finding Alex kept him from turning and fleeing the scene

He took a deep breath and proceeded.

Walking was virtually impossible with so many things strewn across his path

He moved ahead slowly.

“Alex! Alex!” he whispered to himself

He tripped and almost fell several times

He heard someone, or something, move

At least he thought he did

Perhaps, he was just hoping he did

He shook his head and felt his gut tighten.

He couldn't understand how this could have happened

There was some light but not enough to see very much

Something cold and wet brushed against his hand

He jerked it away.

In desperation, he took another step then cried out, “Alex!”

From a nearby pile of unidentified material, he heard his son

“Yes, Dad,” he said, in a voice so weak it could hardly be heard.

“It's time to get up and get ready for school,” Tom sighed, “And, for goodness sake, clean up this room!”