The Unextinguished Flame

In a dark room, a small candle flickers, casting a faint glow. Heavy breathing fills the silent space. Anna sits motionless at her desk, her eyes fixed on the tiny flame. Her hands tremble, as if she is trying to hold something inside her.

The fire dances in her eyes, and then… memories flood back.

A BLAZING MEMORY

Screams. Smoke billowing. A terrifying fire engulfing the kitchen. Seven-year-old Tim stands frozen, trapped in fear, unable to move.

—“Tim! Run outside!”

But he doesn’t move. His wide eyes are filled with terror.

Anna doesn’t hesitate. She rushes into the flames, her instincts taking over. The floor is scorching, smoke stings her eyes, but all she focuses on is one thing—getting Tim out.

Just as she grabs his hand, a loud crash echoes behind them. The ceiling collapses.

PRESENT – THE DARK ROOM

Anna gasps, blinking rapidly. She is back in her room, the small candle flickering in front of her.

Those memories never left. They still burn inside her, like a flame that refuses to die.

A knock on the door startles her.

—“Anna? Are you ready?”

Tim’s cheerful voice calls from the other side.

She exhales, extinguishing the candle with her fingers as if trying to regain control.

Then, she opens the door.

Seventeen-year-old Tim stands there, holding two movie tickets, his grin full of excitement.

—“I got the tickets! Front row seats!”

Anna studies her younger brother, emotions flickering across her face.

—“Are you sure you still want to go?”

—“Of course! It’s our tradition, remember?”

She hesitates, then smiles faintly. They step out together. A cold breeze sweeps past, making Anna shiver slightly. Tim notices.

ON THE STREET – A CHILLING WIND

City lights illuminate the streets. Neon signs flicker, and the sound of traffic hums in the background.

Anna pulls her coat tighter as another gust of wind passes by. Tim speaks up.

—“You don’t have to pretend, you know.”

Anna glances at him.

—“Pretend what?”

—“I see how you look at fire. How you avoid the stove. How you flinch when someone strikes a match. You saved me that day… but you never saved yourself.”

Anna stops in her tracks. His words cut deep, hitting a part of her she has long tried to ignore.

The city fades around her. Once again, she is back in the fire.

She feels the heat. She hears the crackling flames, the wood splitting apart.

She shuts her eyes tightly.

Then, a warm hand touches hers.

Tim holds her hand firmly.

His warmth pulls her back.

She opens her eyes. The little boy she saved is now almost grown. And he understands.

—“You don’t have to be afraid of it forever.”

THE FLAME WITHIN

Anna looks up.

The city lights reflect in her eyes. In the distance, a bonfire glows in the park. The flames dance in the night, bright and alive.

Tim still holds her hand, waiting.

Anna takes a deep breath.

Fire is not always destructive.

It can burn, but it can also bring warmth.

She smiles softly.

—“Not forever.”

Tim smiles back.

They continue walking.

For years, a fire has burned inside Anna—a fire of memories, fear, and pain. But now, it no longer consumes her.

It makes her stronger.

She doesn’t extinguish it.

She lets it burn, in her own way.