Saturday's Child

Bright flames danced high, stars obscured by belching smoke.

The man on the front lawn in his striped blue boxers looked shaky and dazed. Understandable in the circumstances, maybe. Short curls mussed, eyes red. He looked fit to topple over any moment. Should be treated for shock.

Clinging to him, despite his obvious wobbliness, was a young woman in sturdy shoes and a thick cardigan.

Something about the pair seemed... off. Whatever it was, it'd have to wait. Another fireman was speaking to them.

The man seemed stressed, in a vague sort of way. "Where is she?" he said.

"Baby," cooed the clinging woman, "Teddy, baby, I'm right here, it's okay."

Teddy seemed to ignore her completely, getting more agitated. "Where is she?!"

The fireman's voice sharpened, became urgent. "Is everyone out?" The man stared, his eyes wide, bright, and blank. The fireman turned to the woman. "Ma'am, is there anyone left in the building"

There was a noticeable pause.

"Vic-my sister," her croaky reply was barely audible above the crackling, the shouts of the firemen, and the rushing sound of the hose.

The fireman signalled the team. They moved towards the building. Jj was grateful for the protective gear. This was it. The reason for doing this job. What a rush! She's alive, JJ kept thinking. We'll find her. We'll save her.

The minutes stretched. At last, the firefighters re-emerged, carrying a limp figure. There was a beautiful face under all that soot. Her long hair was singed.

Teddy was galvanised into action. He broke free from the cardigan's grasp and ran to other woman.

"Victoria! Victoria!"

Cardigan scowled, arms folded tight. She should've been devastated at the loss of her home. Sick with worry over her sister's well being. Not.... annoyed.

Teddy sank to his knees in the dewy grass, practically howling.

Paramedics worked on Victoria. Teddy’s focus never wavered. Tears tracking through the soot on his cheeks.

A universe away, at the edge of the lawn, the woman stood with her mouth pressed into a hard line.

She seemed unsurprised at any of it, even dressed to be out here. Fire blazed in her eyes.

JJ pulled off her head gear, and took grateful lungfuls of air. Some fires are more easily put out than others.

+++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Word count: 366

(NB. This excludes the title, subtitle, and author's note.)

Submitted on Saturday 16th November

Quick Author's Note

I always aim to write these so you can enjoy them as stand-alone stories. This one does follow on from other. If you'd like to read them, here they are:

A Year of Stories: I'm writing (and submitting, here) a story every day this year. This continues my 321 (!!!) daily micro-fiction story streak since 1st January.

ONLY FORTY-FIVE DAYS TO GO!

Please consider lending your support to the other creators on this madcap "a story every day" adventure. They're putting out excellent content every day!

Rachel Deeming

Gerard DiLeo

Thank you

Especially if you are one of the wonderful people who has been staunchly reading these daily scribbles since the start of the year. I see you, and I am extremely grateful for your ongoing support.

Thank you to those who leave feedback/comments.

I am still plodding away, catching up on reads. If I'm already up to date with your stories, I read someone else's!

If you enjoyed this one, the very best compliment you can give me is to share it, or read another!

Here's my latest dollar challenge. I can't believe it's halfway through November already. Usually it's a month that drags, but it's flying by!

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Thank you again!