A Fall of Marigolds

This next chapter leaves Clara briefly and continues Taryn’s story. Taryn describes the aftermath of the collapse of the South Tower, especially the silence, noting, “[O]ur mouths and lungs were filled with a million fragments of former lives and purposes. No one could move air past their vocal cords” (228). The florist, Mick, helps Taryn get into the florist’s van to protect them from the toxic dust and fumes. Taryn is numb with grief, blaming herself for Kent’s death. Mick tries to get Taryn to understand that they are going to have to get out of the van, that the other tower is going to collapse, and they are in danger. Mick is able to get Taryn out, and the North Tower collapses as they are running away. Mick gets Taryn to the hospital but, once Mick leaves, Taryn leaves without being treated, hoping against hope that Kent somehow made it out. 

Once she arrives home, she sees a series of messages and voicemails from Kent. He was waiting for her at the restaurant, and two things are clear from his last message: First, he believed Taryn was in the elevator at the time of the attack and, second, he decided to jump.