Dear reader,

Nearly ten years ago, my wife Kaylee and I participated in the events that turned our universe upside down. Those horrifying days were some of the worst of my life, and trust me; I know what I’m talking about. It was an adventure to never be forgotten – no matter how hard one may try – but one that has changed our lives forever. Such an adventure is too large a tale to tell by oneself, as I continue to tell my nine year-old son, Andrew, especially when it is his bedtime, so it was suggested to me by my loving wife that I write it down. I agreed that it would be a boon to me, as although the events are forever scorched into my mind, there are details I know I will not be able to remember forever. I also knew it would help Andrew with his education if he had some engaging material to read. However, I finally decided to put pen to paper, not for my own benefit, but as a last eulogy to those who never received one.

In such a short space of time, so many lives were taken, so many souls snuffed out in the blink of an eye. My hands are shaking as I type this, as some of those who fell were great friends of mine. A memorial for the dead was erected shortly afterwards in Londinium, where the Houses of Parliament used to stand. It lists the names of all those who died as a result. Many remarked at how plain the memorial is, as though it is quite big, it does not have statues dedicated to it, nor a design of astounding complexity. No, it is, quite literally, plain and simple. The reason being that those listed didn’t die for their homeland; they weren’t killed for their beliefs; or technically for money. They died because they were in the way. They didn’t want to be celebrated heroes, as those who died shortly afterwards are quoted as saying, “They didn’t do anything.” They just wanted people to remember.

The memorial was built to honour those who fell.

This manuscript exists to tell their tale.

Simon Tam.