"Brazen Attack" at Bagram AFB Claims Lives of 35+; more than 100 unaccounted for"

"Taliban claims responsibility in attack in Bagram leaving world renowned violinist, Gustav Daaé, among the dead; operatic protégé daughter in critical condition"

The headline ticker on the television screen scrolled by as Raoul sat nervously on the edge of his seat, impatiently waiting to board an international flight from Washington, DC to Ramstein AFB in Germany. His face drained a paler shade of white as a reporter came on to broadcast live from Bagram. "Thank you, Jim. It's been over a week since the Taliban smashed into the outer security perimeter on the west side of the compound, triggering a detonation of the car bomb inside the vehicle. A Pentagon official has said that after the bomb exploded, Taliban insurgents lobbed mortars and RPGs into the secondary perimeter. Multiple explosions rocked the compound killing at least 35 military and civilians, including members of the National Symphony Orchestra, which was on a country-wide tour of major bases in Afghanistan with the USO." Raoul choked back tears and knew what information would be shared next. "Both the USO and the Pentagon have confirmed that Gustav Daaé, the famous Swedish violinist, was sadly killed in the attack. We have also confirmed that his daughter, the operatic protégé, was severely injured and evacuated to Germany. The extent of her injuries remains unknown; however, an anonymous source tells me that Ms. Daaé is in life threatening condition, with blunt force trauma to the skull and severe burns."

The buzzing vibrations pulled Raoul's attention to his cell phone. An international number, country code 49, Germany. "Hello?" he answered with a wavering voice. "Yes, this is him." Raoul stood and walked to a more private location in the airport. Raoul rubbed his hands over his face upon disconnecting the call. Crushed skull which would require implanting a plate to reconstruct her head. Facial and jaw reconstruction would be required. Half her jaw shattered. The severity of the burns sustained on her body were the most concerning due to the possibility of infection. "Would she be able to sing again?" he asked barely above a whisper. He choked back his tears with the strong possibility her vocal chords were permanently damaged from the fire and burns. "Thank you, doctor. I'm at the airport now, sir, and will be landing in about 14 hours." A pause. "Yes sir, I understand. Thank you."

"Attention passengers of Lufthansa flight 453, non-stop service to Frankfurt, Germany, we will begin boarding in approximately 30 minutes. Please have passports and tickets ready. We will begin boarding first class passengers first. Please wait for your seating section to be called in order to board. Thank you." The heavily accented announcement broadcasted over the loudspeaker above Raoul. With a heavy sigh, Raoul sat down to pack away his laptop into his carry on bag. His eyes glanced once more at the last email he received from Christine, his heart growing heavier as he read the last few lines:

And I met the most incredible guy earlier this week. It was our second day after our arrival, and we just had this instantaneous connection. His name is Erik, and we had this bond right away… I can't explain it. He was playing his guitar one night by a firepit with his fellow brothers, and oh my God his voice was amazing! I couldn't help but introduce myself and we totally hit it off! He promised to come to both performances this week even though he claims not to enjoy opera… I'll change his mind one of these days because he could TOTALLY sing opera if he tried.

Anyway, I have to run to rehearsals, but I'll try to send you another email soon. Love to you and your parents! Miss you guys, but Dad and I will see you soon!

Xoxo,
Christine