Emily's small hands grasped the windowsill as her father lifted her out. Flames licked the curtains behind her.

She looked back, her eyes wide with fear, and reached for something lost. Her beloved doll, Lily, lay abandoned on the floor.

Her father rushed her through the smoke-filled hallway, Emily twisting in his arms. She strained to return to Lily.

The front door swung open, and they spilled onto the lawn. Emily's parents rushed her away from the burning house.

She looked back, her eyes welling up. Lily was gone, consumed by the inferno.

Emily's tiny body shook with sobs. Her parents held her tight, their faces etched with worry.

The fire raged on, devouring their home. Emily's heart ached for Lily, left behind in the ashes.