Paris is burning. Today, the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris burned. The ceiling collapsed, the spire fell and millions of people are mourning.

No one knows why, just yet. But it’s still a tragedy.

I did not visit Notre Dame on my 2015 visit to Paris. I traveled over the Easter weekend and the crowds and lines there were immense. I’d spent an entire day in the Louvre and failed to plan my Notre Dame visit in time. I didn’t have hours to wait in line and only grabbed a view from my Big Bus tour.

Its Medieval architecture was beautiful and astounding. It was the beginning of Spring and although few flowers were blooming, it stood like a great grey sentry, the perfect center in the perfect city. I promised myself I would visit on my next visit.

I’m sitting next to a Parisian couple who just learned of the fire. They feel like crying and I will probably join them. How can I return to Paris when there is no Cathedral?