Firestorm

She couldn't breathe!

"Mama!"

"I'm here, baby." Kerry was being gathered in her mother's arms. "I'm going to put this cloth over your nose. Don't fight me."

Mama was coughing and Kerry could barely hear her through the crackling.

Crackling

Fire! Flames were climbing up the curtains at the window.

"It's okay, Kerry. We'll be out of here in just a few minutes." Mama was moving toward the bedroom door. "Just try not to breathe too deep."

"Daddy!"

"He's not here, remember But we can make it. We're a team." She opened the door and then took an involuntary step back as black smoke blasted into the room. "Oh, God." She braced herself and then ran into the hall.

Fire everywhere. Crawling up the walls, licking hungrily at the banister going down the steps.

Her mother was crying. Tears running down her soot-stained cheeks as she hurried down the stairs.

Don't cry. Don't cry, Mama.

Her mother had reached the landing when she suddenly lurched and pitched forward.

Falling. Tumbling. Hurting.

Where was Mama

She couldn't see her in the smoke-filled darkness.

"Mama!"

"Go on, Kerry. The door should be only a few feet away from you. Go outside and find someone to help us."

"No, I won't go." She was sobbing, whimpering. "Where are you "

"Right behind you. I've hurt my leg a little. But you have to mind me. Run!"

Her voice was so commanding that Kerry instinctively jumped to her feet and ran toward the door.

Fresh cold air.

Find someone. Find someone to help Mama.

She slipped on the icy steps and fell to the sidewalk.

Find someone.

There was a man across the street, standing beneath the streetlight.

She picked herself up and ran toward him. "Help. The fire. Mama . . ."

He was turning and walking away. He must not have heard her.

She ran after him. "Please. Mama said I had to--" He turned and she stared up into his shadowy face only dimly lit by the flickering flames.

She screamed.