Going back toward the front door is out of the question. There’s too much smoke. I could try to get us out through the window—it’s not too high—but Dad bolted it shut last month because Tara kept opening it, and he was afraid she’d fall out. We have to reach my room at the other end of the hall and use the balcony there.
“Hold on to me!” I can’t assess how loud I’m speaking, so I shout just in case. “We’re getting out!”
Dina wraps her arms around my neck, clinging to me as her small body trembles in my arms. I step into the hallway, then quickly retreat. The fire has spread upstairs and the heat is cutting off the path to my room. Down the stairs is the only way out.
“It’s going to be okay.” I place a kiss on my sister’s hair. My heart beats so fast it feels like it will burst out of
