The flames licked at my fingertips as I was mesmerized by the heat, by the smoke that filled my lungs with each passing breath.

The bodies of my parents rested on the couch in the living room, as if they had decided to take one of their peaceful afternoon naps together. My brother’s body was probably upstairs in his room- he rarely left it these days, and if he were still alive he would’ve come downstairs by now.

He would’ve saved me by now.

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I coughed again, my throat already sore from the smoke I’d taken into my lungs. I knew that no one was coming to save me, that I needed to get out… but I was stuck. I couldn’t move as I watched the flames consume my home, take everything and everyone I’d ever loved away from me. No, I was too mesmerized by it. Enthralled by the way it danced across the floor and up the walls, the heat nipping at my feet.

Sirens blared from outside but I couldn’t find it within myself to care. Minutes later, strong arms pulled me from behind, away from the flames, away from the burning flesh of the bodies that once were my family.

I didn’t struggle against it when I felt the darkness creep upon me and take me down under.