1 Fire - Jun

In the kitchen, the last cabinet on the left was his favourite place to hide.

For the moment I am frozen in place. Paralyzed by the sight of a once peaceful home set ablaze with scorching fire "Back up you're too close!" A stranger yelled. I opened my mouth in retaliation unable to make a sound in my trance-like state, This Is Fear.

My eyes become moist, as a single tear clouds my vision seconds before travelling down my cheek.

Numerous memories come flooding back, good, and bad. I can utter only one word "Jun"

Still, in despair, I take a step forward only to be stopped by an elderly looking man, bald and frail in stature "Hey kid don't, you'll get hurt" I have never seen this man although his eerie tone matched the stranger yelling earlier.

Mumbling Jun's name I take another step only to be stopped once more this time by a much stronger pull "You can't save anyone now, it's too late" his grip becoming all the more firm with the statement. After blocking various attempts I had grown Inpatient. I had underestimated the old man.

"Ahhhhhh!"

Like a man possessed I let out a war cry so fierce it stunned him, his grip loosened.

I attempt to take a chunk out of his skin biting as hard as I could "You wouldn't understand, I'm nothing without him"

He screams out in pain instantly letting go.

I make a break for my home, Remembering why I am so desperate "Jun you better not die on me dammit!"

Frantic as I was running I built up the courage to say in my own way a prayer, to whichever god was listening "I know I am undeserving, but please let him be safe"

Dancing with flames of many colours, I jump through the doorway. Smoke as thick as ink blasting my face. It was hot as hell. "Jun come out, Jun!" I yelled, urgently dashing to the stairs. Unable to continue due to a collapsed ceiling I scoff "You're going to have to try harder than that fate."

I parkour my way over the railing. Maneuvering through gaps and fallen debris, as I speedily made my way to his favourite hiding spot.

Upon entering the kitchen my speed had slowed to a crawl, my heart beating louder and louder with every step. I can hardly hear myself think, my breathing intensifies. My hands are now tense throwing the now broken down cabinet door wide open.

Relief surges through my entire body. I see him.

Still scrunched together motionless. I have to hurry I thought. He is in immediate need of medical attention. I pick him up with haste looking at the now more dangerous obstacle course laid out before me.

After what felt like ages I emerge from the fire, expressionless, slow to respond, dragging my feet.

Distinct burn marks encroaching my fingertips creeping up my forearm.

I wait.

After a single breath, I proceed, carrying a cold and warm body.

"Save him, he is all I have left" falling to a knee before Instantly collapsing into a pitch black silent plight. Unable to avoid my body crashing into the cement.

Oddly enough it didn't hurt but felt soft, warm, and almost welcoming instead.

My vision clears to see a girl with what appears to be at first glance hair as red as fire looking over me. Her eyes emanating intense innocence on me.

I don't feel threatened.

"I think he is waking up!" her voice as soft and polite as you would imagine. Judging by her appearance she was around my age. My eyes are drawn to my surroundings. This room is unfamiliar.

"You awake boy!"

My thought process interrupted by a crippling voice near the entrance of the room. A figure of a women with eyes as cold as her voice. Just standing there, starring a hole through my very soul.

"I would like to speak to the old man" I instinctively say, unsure if they knew of whom I spoke. Completely ignorant of the aftermath of the event that has just occurred.

Before I am able to correct myself she intervenes.

"If your looking to apologize, take that apology to the grave"

Confused by her statement I pondered, minutes before my heart sunk deep into in my chest.

I finally understood what she meant.

Complete and utter silence swallows the entire room, until she steps forward barely able to contain her emotions "I want to say get out, but no matter how much I blame and hate you, even I'm not that cold"

"I have killed a stranger"

It was then I realized. I severely underestimated the old man.