My legs carry me down the street, my heart racing out of my chest. I have to get there, fast. The words from my earlier call still ringing in my head.

‘There’s a fire. I can’t find Victor.’

My little old neighbor called me at work, informing me that a fire started on our floor. The fact that she couldn’t find Victor scared me, and her not mentioning the kids just added fuel to the fire brewing inside the pit of my stomach. It makes me nausous, and even angry. My feet come to a stop when I reach our apartment building. The heat licks at my face and I have to be held back.

“My boyfriend and kids are in there,” I shriek. The fireman still won’t let me get past.

“Ma’am, you can’t go in there. We will send in some men,” he continues to push me behind him, not letting me get closer. Shouting from the crowd swarms my brain as I watch three firemen enter to try and find my family.

“My boyfriends name is Victor. The twins are Esrah and Aisya. Please, they’re six,” I breathe out, not fighting anymore. The fireman nods his head and calls out over the radio, telling them names. Just then, a hand clamps around my shoulder from the crowd.

“Sage!” The voice says, turning me around. I sigh in relief when I see one of my coworkers.

“Oh, Damon. What are you doing here?” I ask. Damon leads me away towards the back of the crowd. It’s quieter here, and I can think better.

“You ran out without an explanation, so I closed early and hurried to follow,” he explains, wrapping me in his arms. I let him, slowly starting to feel tired. My adrenaline was wearing off, and sprinting five blocks didn’t help my muscles.

“Here, let’s go sit while we wait for them to put out the fire,” Damon suggests, turning me towards his car. I nod and he opens the front door for me. The door closes and he gets into the driver seat, starting the car.

“Lets get you warmed up,” He whispers softly, hand rubbing my thigh. I stare at him, my head reeling with questions.

“Damon…” I breathe out. His hand grips my thigh, and his car starts to peel off.

“How long do you think they’ll take to

figure out that the fire started in the

bedroom?”