#Chapter 46 - Ashes to Ashes

Shirley

My gaze is locked on the fire, unwavering as my body slowly moves. I unbuckle my seatbelt, reach for the door handle to my right - completing each action like I’m on autopilot, in a trance.  I can hear Keith yelling at me to stay in the car, but I’m already opening the door and stepping out.

The flames are still roaring and rising toward the sky, making me question how we didn’t notice them earlier. I can now confirm that what I thought was fog is actually smoke, floating up to the trees and dispersing through the surrounding area.

I’m in complete shock as I stare at the fire, my mind empty as I watch the Tudor enveloped and breaking to pieces. At this rate, the flames are sure to stream toward the forest as it’s already beginning to touch the trees. I pray that they don’t succumb to the heat, knowing it’s the only thing I can do. I feel completely powerless