The smoke curled around her feet, stinging her eyes and burning her lungs.
She ran barefoot to the red door and flung it open. Flames burst through, licking her wrist.
She had to save them. Her brother's scream echoed through her lungs.
Adele turned and ran to her brother’s room. She grabbed the handle and slipped. Her legs wouldn’t move fast enough. Her chest was tight. Burning.
I can’t let them die again.
Her brain screamed it.
She heard her father’s voice—warped and distant.
She opened her mouth to scream but choked. The smell of burning flesh filled her throat.
You’re too late again. This is all on you.
That cruel, taunting voice inside her head.
Adele woke up coughing.
The smoke was still there. But it wasn’t from the fire.
It was coming from the kitchen.
She threw the sh
