Chapter 2 — The Boy Who Refused to Leave Alone
"No!"
Elliot struggled in my arms.
"We have to get Charlie!"
I looked back toward the bedroom.
The fire was already swallowing the doorway.
Another firefighter shouted from below.
"Ma'am! Jump!"
The ladder reached the windowsill.
The heat was unbearable.
I looked at Elliot.
Then toward the bedroom.
I knew what every second meant.
I also knew one thing.
If I left that puppy behind...
This little boy would carry that guilt forever.
"Stay here."
I wrapped the soaked blanket around him again.
"No!" he cried.
"I'm coming!"
"You stay."
His tears streamed down his face.
I ran back into the bedroom.
The smoke was almost solid now.
I dropped to the floor.
"Charlie!"
Nothing.
"Charlie!"
Then—
A tiny whimper.
Under the bed.
I reached beneath the frame.
Something soft licked my fingers.
"Got you."
I tucked the trembling golden retriever puppy inside my shirt and sprinted back.
The hallway behind me exploded.
The bedroom ceiling collapsed only seconds after I crossed the doorway.
The firefighters caught Elliot first.
Then me.
As they lowered us to the ground...
The crowd erupted into applause.
Preston Blackwood ran forward.
"Elliot!"
The little boy leaped into his father's arms.
Still coughing.
Still crying.
Still holding the puppy.
"Daddy..."
"She saved Charlie too."
Preston slowly turned toward me.
His eyes filled with tears.
May you like
He tried to speak.
Nothing came out.
