The yellow tape around the entire two acre property fluttering in the breeze caught my eye only after I'd already noticed the garden of wildflowers missing.

I thought, "Could it be?" But drove by too quickly to be sure.

I had planned to return by another way but this being my final pass, curiosity got the better of me. I went by again and recognized the burned-out front porch from the news photographs.

Unbelievable sadness.

I always appreciated the beauty of the wildflower garden in the large side yard.

"Town of Batavia fire claims life of Oakfield-Alabama student, 17" - Rochester D&C, 5/31/08.