With trembling fingers, Jennifer dialed the customer service number of Air Korea. She was eventually directed to the Air Korea Public Relations official.
“Miss Smith, yes. I am sorry to say that your mother was indeed on the flight.”
An icy chill washed over her body, acid filled her stomach, and a strange tingling sensation arose in her skin. “What,” she asked, her voice trembling.
“I am sorry Miss Smith, but we have had to list your mother as officially ‘missing,’ that is to say, we have not received a positive identification. The Russians are of course cooperating as much as possible, but since so many papers were lost in the incident, there is not much that they can go on for sorting out the injured and…the others.”
Jennifer groaned as a violent cramp seized her belly. Resisting the urge to vomit, she composed herself and asked; “What do I need to do to find out about Mom?”
“The Russians have taken the injured throughout the country. I would suggest you contact their embassy in New York. And please, feel free to drop by our offices at any time.”
“I…I will, thank you.” Jennifer set down the phone, tears welling up. She stood up and felt her body convulse from another cramp, her skin itching furiously.
“Mom….oh Mommy…oh God, oh God, oh God.” Lisa was at her friend’s side to comfort Jennifer as best as she could.
“Gotta call Russians, gotta find out.”
“Jen, honey..shhhh.”
“No! Gotta find out!”
Lisa felt her friend’s body shuddering involuntarily. A renewed rush of hormones raced through her bloodstream causing muscular spasms. Damp spots appeared on her shirt at her nipples. Hair follicles, stimulated as never before, increased their production to a staggering 4 millimeters per day all over her body.
Including her face.
Lisa was joined by Carol to help the stricken girl. “Just try to relax Jennifer, we’ll call the Russian embassy.” The cramping had exhausted her, and Jennifer nodded wordlessly.