Marie raced back into the house to alert her husband about what just happened, but it appeared he had heard the blast too.

“Did you hear that?” He asked, making his way outside, and she followed him.

“Jack, I saw it happen, and it looked like the blast happened near your work! We have to go down there!”

Jack shouted an epithet as he looked out where the fire was. He ran back in, grabbed his keys, and got into his car.

“Wait, I’m coming!” Marie quickly hopped into the passenger seat before Jack could take off. He was breaking the speed limit, and he didn’t care. Meg was woken up by the shouting from earlier, but was too disoriented to realize what was happening, and so stayed back home with the sleeping kids.

Those closer to the blast had already called the fire department, and there were others who had driven out to see what was going on. It wasn’t actually that huge of a fire, but of course, there was always the risk of it spreading, and so had to be quenched as soon as possible. It didn’t appear to nail any trees or foliage, thankfully, but would any of the buildings fare just as well?

Meanwhile, Marcus had barely just woken up when he heard the blast from far away. Alarmed, he ran outside, and saw the same orange glow that Jack and Marie had seen. He was horrified; people may have gotten killed, and buildings may have been destroyed. His work was also in that direction, and while a building fire wouldn’t end his whole career, it’d certainly set him back. He hoped that the blast hit nothing, but knew that wasn’t likely. He also had a deja vu moment, remembering how a fiery blast had destroyed the forest he lived in up until nine years ago, and how he was blamed for it (though it didn’t help that he also blamed himself).

He went to wake Diane up, and when he told her what was going on, she had to run out to see it for herself. In a motherly panic, she ran back inside to make sure all her children were accounted for. They were woken up by her hurried voice; hearing the panic, but not knowing why she was being like this. They were all here.

Except Ronald.

“Ronald!” She poked around his room, heart racing. She couldn’t find him, and her eyes began to water. He could’ve been out in that fire!

But then she noticed the time; 5:51am, and then remembered that he was working the extra shift at the movies until six. Her heart rate slowed down, and she wiped her eyes. He would be home soon, and she knew the movies were nowhere near that blast.

The three young wolves and the older squirrel walked out to find out from their mother what was wrong.

“Hey, where’s Ronald?” Claudia asked.

“Still at work, but he’s fine. Anyways, go look outside; you’ll see why I was panicked. Your dad’s out there too.”

They ran out into the cool morning air just in time to see their father getting into his car.

“Dad! Where are you going?” Janet asked, and then she, along with her siblings, saw the fire. Cecilia gasped and screamed, also being reminded of the fire she and her brother ran from years ago, and also realizing that her father’s business was in that area.

“I’m going to see how bad it really is over there; hopefully it’s not as bad as it looks.”

“Can we come?” Xavier asked, tail wagging, wanting to get close to danger.

“No, stay here…” Marcus then finally noticed who was missing after being preoccupied with the fire. “Where’s Ronald? Is he still asleep?”

“Mom says he’s still at work; he took an extra shift.” Cecilia answered.

Marcus raised his eyebrows, wondering if his son had either impressed his boss, or did something terribly wrong and was being punished. “I see...Anyways, I want all of you to stay here, and let Ronald know where I am if he asks. Hopefully I won’t be gone for long.”

He said good-bye to them and drove away. Meanwhile, Diane kept an eye out for Ronald, as he should be getting home any minute now. Due to her emotional state right now, she was mad at him for taking another shift; she wanted him home right now, safe and sound.

By 6:20, Ronald was still not home, and Diane knew the movies were only a five-minute drive from here. She looked out the window for any cars approaching the house, but the ones that did had no Ronald in them to drop off.

She did not want to go down this route, but she was thinking she was going to go down to the theater herself and look for him there. She was not typically this short with him, but the fire and the blast set her on edge, and she thought it was rude of him to be out this long without letting her or Marcus know his plans.

6:30 rolled by, and since there was still no Ronald in sight, she decided she was going to drive down to his workplace and find out what was going on. She told the four children to get into the car because she wasn’t going to leave them here with no adult.

Meanwhile, Jack and Marie raced towards the fire, and the closer and closer they got, the more they feared the worst. The fire was starting to look like it was very close to Jack’s business...if not directly consuming it. They could hear sirens blaring as fire trucks raced to the scene to extinguish the inferno. They rounded the corner onto the street where his work was...and the sight was not what they wanted to see.

“Jack!” Marie shrieked, tears filling her eyes. “It can’t be!”

Their fears came true. The good news was that the fire was isolated to one structure; not spreading to other structures or trees. The bad news?

The fire was consuming Jack’s business...and only his business.

Jack grinded to a halt as soon as he realized what was happening, and he ran out.

“NO! MY WORK! MY LIVELIHOOD!” He yelled, helplessly watching as everything he worked for slowly burned away. There were firefighters doing their best to put out the flames, but no amount of water was going to undo the damage that was already done.

Jack was sobbing and clutching his stomach as the cruel fire tore away at the business he took years to get off the ground and get going. He hadn’t cried in agony like this in years; he knew he was making a scene, and he couldn’t possibly care less. Marie ran to his side and hugged him tightly, also crying.

“Jack, I know this is horrible, but...we’ll get through this! We’ve been hit, but we’re not going down without fighting! Be strong for me, Jack…”

“Why me?!” Was all he could cry out. “Not twelve hours after striking a million-dollar deal does a random, freak explosion take down ONLY my business!”

“I don’t know why this only happened to you, but you can’t let yourself feel defeated and give up.” She then looked him in the eyes, but was still crying. “Remember everything you told me last night about what you wanted to do with this business, and everything you wanted to get done with that money? You can still make it happen, no, WE can still make it happen! I want that future just as much as you do, and we’re not going to let this fire burn it away!”

Jack looked again at the building, and though the fire was dwindling, the destruction done to the building was mortifying. Most of the roof and most of two of the walls had been reduced to rubble and ash The smoke made it difficult to see what other damage had been done, and the acrid stench of burning chemicals made every onlooker step further back.

“Marie, I can’t understand how you are taking it this well.” Jack said to her. “How can you feel like a winner when our very future is in jeopardy? I know you’re the one to be an idealist, but let’s be real; we’re not coming back from this…” Jack shook his head. “Marie, I’m so sorry...I wish I was as hopeful as you...but it’s just not in me…”

She was already devastated by this fire, but dealing with Jack’s negativity compounded her frustration. “Stop it, Jack. Maybe we won’t get this all fixed within two weeks to do your order, but this isn’t the end of your life. You have a passion for what you do, and if that’s something really true to you, you’re going to see to it that everything is rebuilt and back to normal. You also still have me, and you have other family and friends who will be more than happy to help you get everything back to normal. I’m more than willing to fight for that wonderful future you described, and I really hope you are too.”

They heard another car pull up; Jack and Marie knowing it was just another spectator to this infernal calamity. Fire always put on a good show, regardless if it was making anyone suffer or not. Jack didn’t look, not caring about the presence of others, but Marie took a glance, and her eyebrows raised.

“Is that Marcus?”

Jack turned his head, and just as Marie pointed out, there was that wolf. He was still about thirty feet away, but was also looking right at them. Why was he here? Maybe he knew about Jack all along, and came here to see his crushing defeat.

“Hi...this is your guys’ business?” Marcus asked them as he approached the hurting couple.

“Y-yes.” Marie answered. “We can’t believe this happened, but at least it looks like no one got hurt, or worse.” She wiped some more moisture from her eyes.

Jack wanted to comment how he wished he were dead instead of experiencing this moment, but knew Marie would bite his head off for that.

“Marcus,” Jack started, looking weakly up at him, as though standing before a titan. The wolf was tall and confident, and he was like a crumpled, limp little worm. “I really don’t know what made you want to even deign to speak to us, but it means a lot coming from you.”

“Uh,” Marcus didn’t know how to react to that. “I, uh, guess I really need no introduction then. I came here, firstly, to see if my own building was okay, and secondly, I wanted to see if there was anyone I could help in the meantime. What are your names?”

“This is Marie, and I’m Jack.”

“It’s nice to meet you two, and I’m so sorry about this...having this happen to my own livelihood would be unthinkable. Do you have a family you’re taking care of?”

“Thank you,” Marie replied. “And yes; we’re married, and we have th-two children.” She nearly slipped up and said “three,” still thinking there could be a third on the way.

By now, the fire was nearly out, and the damage to the edifice was more fully realized. It was evident that, if Jack wanted to get back to work here, he was going to have to pay immensely. All he could do was hope and pray that insurance would cover this; at least it would take a little worry off of him.

“I hope it’s not too forward of me to do this, seeing as we’ve just met, but I want to help you get back on your feet, and save your job. If your insurance doesn’t cover all the repair costs, I want to fund the remainder of it, and not make you have to worry about it. From one family man and entrepreneur to another, I’d hate to see you, and the ones you care about, ruined.”

Marie gasped. “Th-that is so exceptionally kind. Jack, I really think you should take his offer into consideration; he’s not even asking for anything in return.”

Jack, being the competitor that was, felt very mixed about this. Would accepting help from a rival be the same as accepting defeat? Marcus would find out sooner or later what his line of work was, and he’d either rescind his offer, or rub it in his face. Sure, Marcus was being all nice and everything right now, but that’d surely change the moment he found out what Jack did. He then thought of a way he might be able to get out of feeling defeated by this wolf.

“That is so generous of you, thank you.” Jack said. “What I should do first is tell my insurance what happened and then ask how much they’ll cover. They’ve been good to me before, so I’m sure no one will have to pay anything.”

“Fair, do what you need to do.” Marcus replied. He was about to add that money was not an issue for him anyways, but thought that’d come off as snobby and elitist in this particular scenario.

“I’ll be back.” Jack went to his car and then drove back home to go call his insurance. 100-percent coverage would mean not just getting to pay nothing out-of-pocket, but also not letting Marcus get any foothold in his business. After all, once your rival helps you, then you may as well just throw in the towel and concede the fight.

Meanwhile, Marcus and Marie were left by themselves.

“So the both of you own this business?”

“Only Jack does, but I guess you could say I’m his support.”

“What kind of business is it?” Thanks to the fire, the name of the business wasn’t visible anymore.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

“Jack produces and sells specialized eyeglasses and hearing aids, but he has plans to expand in the near future.”

“Ah, a fellow helper for the disabled. I’m sorry I haven’t heard of you guys before; I think it’s an honorable career, and it’s good to know there’s someone like him in our town also helping them.”

Marie was worried at first about mentioning what Jack’s career was, seeing that Marcus did the same thing, but was relieved to hear him say those things about her husband. Marcus referred to Jack as more of a peer than a rival.

“Thank you, and that means a lot coming from you.”

“I’m in my line of work because I want to help people have a normal life and succeed, and it makes me happy seeing others doing the same, even if there’s going to be some inevitable competition in the market. Honestly, that stuff never enters my mind when I go into work; I just focus on my job, and how I can improve and help at least one other person that day get the kind of life they wanted. There should be more people like Jack in our town, and he didn’t deserve for this horrible fire to destroy his business like this.”

Marie gave the big canine a big hug; despite being top dog (or wolf) in this industry, he wanted to see others in his field succeed as well. He seemed to care more about fulfilling an important need than measuring up to someone else.

The two then went on to talk about their kids, life at home, etcetera. Marie took note of how Marcus never rubbed his wealth in her face, and how the things he and his family enjoyed sounded a lot like the things most people enjoyed. If this conversation was all that she had to go on to know about Marcus, she would’ve had no idea he was a millionaire. He came off as relatable, friendly, and easy to talk to.

Jack came back a half-hour later, and before Marie could ask him anything, his forlorn expression said everything.

“Well…” He started.

“Are they not going to cover everything? I thought fire damage was included in the disasters covered by them, right?” Marie asked.

“Apparently…” Jack sighed. “They decided to stop covering fire damage two months ago...and never told me.”

Marie shook her head in disbelief. “So that means-”

“That it all has to be paid out-of-pocket; every single penny! All they could give me was a lame “sorry ‘bout that,” and then they reminded me about my monthly payment before hanging up on me.” Jack’s face was red; not with sadness or embarrassment, but with anger.

Marie sighed and hugged Jack for several seconds, seeing the veins bulging in his forehead. She really did not want him to explode.

“It’s okay, Jack,” she whispered calmly into his ear, “you know the last thing we want is for you to be enraged again. I want you to push that insurance company out of your mind right now and pray for the peace of God to rule in your heart.”

The concern and care in her voice was apparent, but Jack also detected a little fear, and he didn’t blame her.

“I will; I’m sorry, my dear wife.”

“I just want you and everyone around us to be okay…”

Marcus couldn’t hear what they were saying, but knew not to ask about it. After their private moment, Jack approached Marcus, though was too intimidated to make direct eye contact with him.

“Marcus…” he sighed. “It turns out that, well...I’ll need the help. Insurance isn’t going to help at all, and paying for the repairs out-of-pocket will break my family and render us homeless. I’m sorry it worked out this way.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about; insurance companies don’t tend to help you when you need them most, and that’s not your fault. Do you know what the estimated cost will be?”

“I talked to the landlord about this after talking to the insurance company, and after describing the damage to him, he said it’ll probably be around $500,000.”

Marie gasped; if Marcus had not shown up to help, they very well would’ve ended up destitute and homeless.

The amount didn’t even make Marcus blink or raise an eyebrow. “I see; once you get the final cost, let me know, and I’ll pay the entire bill. I know these city contractors and workers don’t like working the weekend, but I’ll get them to do it, and I’ll see to it your business starts getting rebuilt before noon today, and gets finished before this time next week.”

“Marcus, I want to ask you something in private, if you don’t mind.” Jack said.

“Not at all.”

The two of them walked far enough away to be out of Marie’s earshot, and then Jack started.

“I am honestly more grateful than you can imagine that you’ve been so magnanimous towards me any my family, and I don’t think there’s any possible way I’d ever be able to repay you. I’m just curious about something...why are you so invested in helping us? I mean, I know you are extremely wealthy, but offering to spend 500 grand for a complete stranger, I don’t know, seems so unusual to me.”

“You are right, it is unusual, and that is a very generous amount to give to someone you just met. Firstly, I believe money is primarily a tool for helping others if we can, and since I have so much of it, that gives me more opportunity to be helpful with it. When I saw you and Marie standing there before your burning business, so broken and defeated, it broke my heart, and since I knew I had the means to make things better for you two, I had to take it. Secondly, Marie told me what it is you do for a living, and that just made me even more invested in seeing you get back up on your feet. You have something very good going on, and I want to see it succeed.”

“Y-you do? It really doesn’t bother you that you’re helping me so much when I’m contending with you in the same market?”

“Maybe most people would see that as crazy, and I understand, but I also don’t believe in being cold. If two people are running a race, and one stumbles and falls; it would be the logical thing for the other to keep going and not care. If he went back to help his competitor get back up and keep running, he risks losing the race, and spectators would be confused, but it was the kindhearted thing for him to do. I fully understand we are competing for dollars, but that’s just not the most important thing to me; no amount of money is worth letting someone else suffer and drown when you can extend a helping hand. That is what I truly believe, and I know you’d do the same for someone else if they were hurting, and you had the means to help them...even if they were your rival.”

Jack didn’t reply at first; he could only look down in shame. He was all about the competition and trying to get ahead, and Marcus was all about helping people. He practically felt like the worst person in the world right now.

“I have so much to learn.” Jack admitted. “Thank you for everything, and I would really like to reciprocate some kindness back to you, even if it’s not 500K.”

“Consider it a gift; I don’t want you to think you need to repay anything and feel burdened.”

“At the very least, perhaps we could invite you and your family to dinner, or a picnic, or anything like that.”

“We would be happy to come if you did, and perhaps this is the start of a friendship for us. If you ask me, I like having friends more than rivals.”

Jack was thankful his “competitor” didn’t have the attitude like one; he pretty much owed him the rest of his career and future. True to his word, Marcus was able to pay off city repair workers to work on rebuilding Jack’s business before noon. Marcus, of course, didn’t technically have authority over them, but then, money does talk. As if that weren’t enough, after Jack had mentioned his million-dollar order he had received the previous day, Marcus agreed to allot a certain amount of his own factory space to let Jack fulfill it. On top of all of that, he did not demand so much as a single percentage of that profit as thanks, even though Jack wouldn’t have minded doing so. The wolf was practically treating him as a friend, or a family member, as though Marcus were his older brother. He was starting to feel spoiled; why was Marcus being so nice? He knew he had that reputation, but he was even nicer than what people mentioned.

And then Jack had a passing thought that maybe Marcus had ulterior motives.

Of course, it wasn’t a thought he took seriously, but there were coincidences he couldn’t ignore. For one, it was very unnerving that the blast not only happened, but that it happened just hours after his million-dollar deal. Next, Marcus just happened to show up and talk to him and his wife, as though he was expecting them there. Thirdly, he starts offering himself as a hero who will save the day with all his money and big, gigantic heart. He wondered if this was all really part of a big conspiracy to take over his business and expand, and leave Jack and his family in the dust.

The two were in bed, about to turn in for the night, when Jack opened the can of worms.

“I’m sorry, Marie, but there’s just something bugging me about this whole thing with Marcus.”

“Really?” She looked over at him. “How so?”

“It’s just a thought, so you don’t have to take it seriously, but don’t you think it’s very strange how my business gets destroyed just hours after that deal, and then Marcus just happens to show up and shower all this kindness over us?”

“You think it’s possible that this whole ordeal was somehow staged?” She replied, her tone itself saying she thought it was absurd.

“Well...yeah, but I’m not saying I full-out believe that. It’s just that, he and I are in the same market, and some people are willing to resort to extreme measures to stay ahead. I mean, how do you explain ONLY my business getting ruined in that whole complex, and then Marcus finding us seemingly right away, as though expecting us there?”

“Jack, I know your mind likes to go down those paths, and with what you’ve gone through before, I don’t blame you. You need to think this through, though. How could Marcus have possibly known about your deal, and then somehow manipulated a firework or bomb in the wee hours of morning to strike only your business? Even if he had hired someone to do that, that would be an absurd level of pyrotechnic wizardry, to craft a homing device in a few hours and then program it to perfection. Please, really think about what you’re saying, and also, by no means, repeat ANY of what you said to Marcus, ever. Sometimes, bad things happen to lots of people at once, and sometimes, it’s just one.”

“I won’t; I promise.” He sighed. “I’m sorry I said any of that. The past just haunts me sometimes, and it makes me say things that I know are wrong, but satiate my emotional hunger.”

“Your past can’t make you say or do anything; you have a choice to submit to it, or ignore it.” She studied his restless and weary expression and body language during their talk, and it was apparent to her that he needed a respite.

“You know what I think would be good for all of us?” Marie started. “A nice, relaxing vacation. We haven’t gone on one since Dylan was born, and I think it would do us good, especially you. I think all of the hard work you put into your job and taking care of us is making you tired and stressed. You’ve more than earned it.”

“Well, we can’t do that now; I’m still nowhere near finishing that order.”

“I don’t mean right now; of course you should do that first, but maybe after that. You could have one of your employees manage affairs in the meantime; at least, I hope you’ve trained at least one person to do that, right?”

“I have, but...I don’t know, I feel reluctant about going away for a long time. I mean, we already had our little getaway last night; I’d feel like I’m shirking my business by taking any more time to relax.”

“Last night wasn’t meant to be a big vacation or getaway; it was meant to be just a celebration between you and me for one night. Just taking a few more days off of work isn’t going to destroy us, and like you said, you have been training someone to take over for you if needed. I really, really think you should just take some time to get your mind off of work, bills, the rent, and get reenergized.”

“Okay...here’s what I think; if I get this order out on time, then I’ll feel better about taking a few days off and spending them with all of you.” He put his arm around her shoulders. “Perhaps this could be an additional celebration, but now with the kids. I think they’d love to see and experience someplace new; I think Dylan is old enough for it, at least. I don’t know if Beth is old enough to remember a family trip at her age.”

“They’ll love it regardless, and the best part will be that they’ll be spending the time with family, whether or not they’ll remember it in the future.”

“True.” Jack then yawned. “Well, I should hit the hay; after all, there’s work to be done.”

“It’s going to be unusual with you not here on a Sunday, but I know it has to be done. Good night, Jack, and remember, always bring your cares and worries to the Lord.”

They kissed each other good night, turned off the lights, and lay their heads down to sleep.

For the Tyndales, Sundays typically meant going to the house of a good friend of theirs and gathering for time of fellowship and Bible study, like a little church. They had recently split off from a much larger assembly after it had become apparent they were going soft on the gospel, and sin; preaching that God was okay with it now since it was now paid for. Jack and Marie believed in forgiveness, mercy, and grace, but knew it was totally wrong for anyone to teach that sin was ever okay. The two had been going together since then, and they were planning on taking Dylan soon since they thought he was getting old enough to understand basic spiritual things. They typically left Beth with Meg, but after coming home, they’d try to pass on something basic and easy to her to see if she could understand it yet.

Today, only Marie and Dylan were going, as Jack would be working overtime to get his order finished.

“Dylan, make sure you copy everything down for me so I can read it when I get home, okay?” He said to his five-year old son before leaving.

“Okay daddy.” He nodded. “Where are you going?”

“I gotta work today; I have some very important business to take care of, but don’t you worry, I’ll go with you to church soon, okay?”

“Okay.”

He kissed his son, daughter, and then wife, good-bye. “I love you, now be good, okay?”

They said it back to him, and then he left for work. Before leaving, he thanked God for his family, and said sorry about his paranoia and worry during bad circumstances. Little did he know, he was about to make a small mistake that would wind up changing the rest of his and his family’s life.

Jack pulled up to his business, and as he beheld its incomplete, partially-repaired state, he hit his head lightly on the steering wheel.

“Stupid me, I’m supposed to be getting my work done in Marcus’ factory, not here! That’s what happens when you’re a creature of habit.”

However, it was then he noticed another person, smaller, standing near the front door to the building. It was still taped off by a CAUTION strip due to the work still being done on it, but it was apparent this individual’s presence here had to do with this building. It didn’t seem like he wanted to break in and take things; more like he was waiting for someone to show up, and his body language suggested he had something urgent to say.

Jack turned off his car and got out. “Hello? Are you waiting for someone?” Jack asked him. This person looked familiar, but couldn’t recall why.

“Yeah…” The seventeen-year old replied. “I, uh, want to talk to whoever works here.”

“Well, I guess you’re in luck, because that would be me.” Jack said. “Do I know you? What’s your name?”

“You don’t know me, but my name is Ronald. I know you’ve met my dad, and, uh, after I heard about what happened, I wanted to, you know...help too, if I can.”

“Who’s your dad? I can’t think of any squirrels I know with a son named Ronald.”

“Oh no, my dad is Marcus. I know that’s confusing, but he adopted me when I was eight. My first parents are long gone.”

Jack was finding this all so strange; now Marcus’ son was here all by himself this morning randomly wanting to do something to help? Either something fishy was going on, or this was genuinely the nicest family that lived on this planet.

“Well, I really appreciate that offer, honestly,” Jack replied, “but I think your father has this all under control already; you don’t need to worry about all of this. Besides, does he even know you’re here right now?”

“Well, I told him I was going for a walk, but...I didn’t say I was going to come here, exactly.”

“I think you should clear this with him first; if I’m going to accept your help with anything, he deserves to know about it.”

Ronald nodded. “I’ll do that.”

“Also, I’m really not even sure what you could help with, unless you know something about rebuilding burned property.”

“I don’t, but maybe I could do something like, you know, paint, or help move furniture, or just whatever needs to be done to make the place look nice again.”

“That sounds fair, but I want to make sure this is okay with your dad first. If it is, then I will accept your help, and I promise I will pay you for it.”

“Thank you, and I will talk to my dad about this.”

“Good, and thank you too. It’s not typical for people to go out of their way to help strangers, but I’m getting the sense that your family is not typical. I wish there were more people in the world like you and your dad. Anyways, I’m going to head to your father’s factory to continue my work, so go enjoy the rest of your walk, and I guess I will see you again soon.”

Ronald nodded, and after a handshake, they parted ways. Jack didn’t intend that morning to stop at his own business, but was glad he had made that small error. Ronald seemed like a good kid to him, even if his appearance seemed random and out-of-the-blue. Perhaps this would strengthen the ties between the two families, and who knows where that could lead?

“It’s weird to think...but maybe my business getting hit was the best thing that ever happened to me; even better than just a one-off million-dollar deal. If Ronald and his dad are that sincerely nice, I really look forward to meeting the rest of that family.”

On that thought, Jack continued on to Marcus’ factory, whistling cheerfully the whole time.