100 Themes

38. Burning

   You hope the houses are empty.

   Gods, do you hope they're empty.

   You can't control it now, it's too big, too widespread.

   Gods, please let those houses be empty.

   Someone is saying your name, and you should recognize the voice but–oh. Oh no. The houses aren't empty. You can see people stumbling out of them, coughing, some of them carrying friends or family members, many falling to their knees once they're clear.

   Oh, gods, please don't let anyone be dead.

   You can't even remember what got you going, what started it.

   Your name is being repeated, and suddenly there's a freezing sensation on your upper arm. The left.

   "You need to calm down."

   No, no, gods please, no. Nonononono. Please let everyone be alive.

   Your name again. You realize abruptly that the houses are being put out, slowly but surely. All that's left, really, is you.

   You need to get ahold of yourself.

   Please, just let everyone have gotten out alive.