Cold wind filters in from my bay window and I hug my comforter closer to me, wishing that it could close on its own. Today it was open because it was such a hot day but now I'm regretting having daddy open it, it's making my room too cold. Whimpers suddenly come from around my feet and I look down in surprise. "Oh Mei, I forgot you were there!" I mummer sleepily to my Black Labrador. Softly I pat the spot next to me and smile at her glad that I could have a warm cuddle buddy tonight. With a little bark and wag of her tail she gets up and plods towards me her tongue hanging out of her mouth. 'It looks like she's smiling..' I think to myself with a laugh as she walks closer.
A large boom sounds from outside and Mei freezes before jumping off the bed to bark and growl at the window. "What in the world?!" I mutter now fully awake. Pushing away my covers I pull myself out of bed and walk to the window hoping that it was just something falling. The nearer I get to the window the feeling of dread in my stomach grows along with it. Stooping a few inches before the window I stop, take a deep breath before looking down. But even though I took a breath and prepared myself, I lost it once I understood what was happening.
Bodies lay everywhere, some I know some I dodn't. Smoke and flames dance off the house and If I strain my ears I can hear the sounds of someone yelling orders. In complete shock, I stand at my window eyes wide and breathing heavily. A figure runs screaming out of the house, his whole body on fire. Unconsciously, I take a few steps back before running to my closet tears streaming down my face. Rummaging around I throw shoes and clothes everywhere trying to find it. Daddy said if something ever happened to use it and I'm pretty sure this is what he meant. 'Thank god!' I think with relief when I spot the familiar silver canister. Pulling it out of the box I found it in, I drop it on the floor before grabbing a large bag and filling it with clothes, a few toys and mementos. After filling the bag to the brim I toss both the bag and canister onto my bed then start taking off my p.j's. Grabbing the closest clothes to me I put them on along with a pair of sneakers.
Looking around my room one last time I try to remember if I've left anything important when I spot Mei's leash and the necklace mom gave to me a few weeks ago. Hurriedly I place the necklace around my neck and fix the clasp with shaking fingers. Whistling for Mei I wait till she's standing right beside me before putting her leash on. 'I really hope this somehow turns into a training session or something.' I think scared out of my mind as I leave my bedroom and slowly walk down the stairs leading Mei.
The living room I once knew as cheerful and cozy is now a war zone. The coffee table is broken in half with one of its wooden legs sticking out of the wall, glass is almost everywhere on the floor and the couch is on its side with scratch markings and stuffing seeping out. With a heavy heart I leave behind the living and head in the direction of my father's study. Mei keeps up with my pace but I can tell that she's tiring, she's still only three months old. Stopping behind a open door I stop to let Mei catch her breath and she instantly lies on the floor panting.
I sag against the wall trying to understand everything that's happened, everything is happening way too fast. Mei quickly stands and growls snapping me out of my thoughts and I stare at her in confusion and worry, what did she sense now? A large figure enters the hallway, his eyes instantly meeting mine. With a evil smirk he walks slowly towards us. "Now what do we have here?" he asks while wringing his calloused hands. Shaking in fear I huddle closer to Mei and try to hold in my tears.
'Daddy, where are you?' I cry out in my mind. 'I'm coming sweetheart, just hold on!' his voice replies back. Lifting my head in shock I watch as the man grows closer but I'm no longer afraid, daddy will protect me. I know he will. With this new feeling I stand up and brace my body as the man goes from a walk to a run, I can handle this buffoon until daddy comes. I'm not his number one girl for nothing!
