chew on this

All wars are civil wars, because all men are brothers.
~Fenelon

Alisandra loves life. A spontaneous, strong willed nine year old, with deep, curious dark eyes. Just starting Fourth Grade at Mandela Elementary School in Southside Chicago, she is the middle child of three brothers and one sister and her Mamma's pride. Whether groceries or garbage, bedtime or breakfast, Alisandra is there to help. And to ask questions.

"She's always been very inquisitive," her Mother recalls, "more than most. I'm not quite sure why. Maybe it's because we read, as a family, every night after supper, or maybe it's just the good Lord's blessing, but I know Alisandra will succeed in anything she puts her hand to."

One beautifully crisp Autumn morning, nearing the end of her six block walk from their apartment to school, Alisandra notices something laying in the gutter across the street. After looking both ways, she scurries away from the rest. When she gets closer, it looks like a yellow can of soda. "This can't be," she murmurs as she reaches for it.

Alisandra, eight of her friends and a crossing guard half a block away are shredded instantly.