Program: Superhuman *ON HOLD*

Chapter 8: The Aftermath of the Fire

"AH!" I cried out, several tears falling from my eyes. Agonizing pain ripped up my left arm, but, just like that, it disappeared. Looking to my left arm, I rubbed it with a deep breath. Who knew a dislocation could be so painful?

The paramedic, who had just put it back into place, rubbed it. "Better?"

I nodded. "Thanks."

She reached over next to me and grabbed a glass of water, handing it to me. "Try to drink as much as you can."

I nodded, taking a sip. The paramedic rushed off to help someone else, leaving me to sit alone on the floor of the ambulance, my legs dangling over the side. A fuzzy blanket wrapped around my shoulders, which I huddled closer to me. It had been over twenty minutes since the Silhouette saved me from the burning building, and the fire had died down since. After examining me, the paramedics said I was surprisingly in a normal condition. I had no burns, no scrapes (aside from the cut on my right shin), a normal respiratory process, and a normal heartbeat. It was miraculous that I came out so unharmed. My only injury had been the dislocated shoulder, which was now in place again.

I had spent my time in the ambulance praying. I know; it surprised me, too. I guess being so close to death gave me a little of a different perspective. I thanked God for saving me from that inferno. It made remember me that Scripture in Psalms:

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing."

That's the only verse I had memorized from that chapter, but I knew the idea circling it was how the Lord was our protector. And, for once in years, I felt that it was true.

I also prayed for all those that had injured themselves in the fire. I didn't know how many were, but better safe than sorry. I even asked God to help those inside the building to get out - that is, until I found out I was the last one out. Everyone was accounted for. Everyone was safe. If I didn't know better, I'd say we were all extremely lucky. But I did know better. And I knew that the miracle that everyone was okay was no accident.

I also asked God about the happenings when I was in the school. Like, for one example, how had I blasted a hole in the ceiling? And was it really Caspar I had seen as the Silhouette? Or was that just my imagination? Maybe even the fire playing tricks on my eyes.

But I received no answer. And that's when I did something else that surprised me - I didn't get angry. Or even accuse God. I just accepted the fact and decided I would confirm the detail of the Silhouette when I saw Uncle Forge next.

"Willow!"

I snapped my head up to see Arden running towards me. He stopped at the ambulance and gazed at me with concern. His face was slightly dirty with soot, but he otherwise appeared fine.

"Are you okay? I've been looking everywhere for you! I thought you might still be in the fire."

"I'm fine," I responded, voice slightly scratchy. "You?"

He sighed in relief, taking a seat beside me in the ambulance. "I could be better."

We sat in silence. I took a few sips from my water. Neither of us broke the quietness until Macy came running. She looked worse than Arden, but normal otherwise.

"Hey, guys!" she said in a breathy voice. She stopped by the ambulance, inhaling and exhaling quickly. "Are you two okay?"

We both told her what we said to each other earlier, and a relieved expression came over her face.

"Gosh, I can't believe what happened," she said, turning to the fire. The girl had caught her breath by then. "A fire in Warm Oaks High... so bizarre. I wonder how it started."