Into the Flames [Watty Awards 2012]

Chapter 8

Even though the air was cool, sweat poured down my face. Jared and I had finished moving the broken wood and had started laying out where the new posts would go. “You know, you probably won’t live here much longer since Waterlily should be coming home and providing you with a newer home.”

I nodded at the comment as I moved a large piece of wood to its position. As I set it down I looked over towards the direction of the square. From here you could see the top of the roofs of the Victors Village. You could only see the first row and sometimes the second from here, even though there were many more. There was only one unoccupied house in the Victor’s Village. The year it was filled, they would build another row of houses.

“I guess they will be building that new row of houses after the games huh?”

I smiled. “Guess we need to scrape up some money for something for Waterlily.”

“We could ask around tonight.”

“We should. The earlier we can get money, the better.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“Hello Mr. Fisher! How is Trout doing?” I asked. It was just a few minutes before the Opening Ceremonies began and I wanted to ask Mr. Fisher since he was such a good friend of Waterlily’s.

“Not too well. She’s having a hard time accepting the fact the Cod and Waterlily are both gone.”

I nod. “Cod was caught in the hurricane?”

“Unfortunately. He was playing on the floor of the front room. Trout and I were in the back. He drowned before we could save him. He was so young it was easy for him to drown.”

“That is quite unfortunate.” I pause before changing the subject so he wouldn’t think I just wanted money. “Well, if you donate some money to a fund Jared and I are starting, you could help save Waterlily.”

“Well, I don’t have any extra money right now, but feel free to check back next week and I may have some.” I looked down at his old thin watch. You have one minute until the Opening Ceremonies start. You want to watch them here?”

I paused debating whether or not I should stay when the door opened and Trout appeared. “Daddy, you need to come in, it’s starting.”

He nodded and motioned me inside. I followed him into his house as the TV flickered on.