Rusty Bertrand on Nostr: My stepdad and sister were flying into NY that day. I did not know the planes were ...

My stepdad and sister were flying into NY that day. I did not know the planes were not international flights. I freaked out.

I called my boyfriend and quickly found out how horrible republicans are. I didn't even know the difference between repubs and dems yet.

He scolded me for calling, saying Americans do not respond to threats, continue as usual until orders are received. Orders?

Turns out his family was old oil. Very rich. The things they said in private, oh my god! I don't know there were people like that.

I watched the planes crash while painting a house in NOLA, big window. Big TV.

Was that my dad and sister? I wasnt supposed to think about it. When i finally heard they were in Canada i was so relieved. He refused to drive me to the bus station so I could visit them. That would be "giving in to terrorism."

I never saw them again till 2006.

Then the excited war talk started, the namecalling, the revelling in revenge. Boasting about their investments in arms. They were treating me like family, like I was gonna marry the heir or something.

I was silent, listening, it never crossed my mind to enter this goblin family.

Oh we broke up. They were so disgusting you wouldn't believe it.

Then I understood politics. These were the enemy. These powerful few. So entitled, spewing filth, knowing they owned the world.

He never showed this side till 9/11. He was tall, handsome and sweet, but so dead inside. I didn't date again for 15 years.