Chapter 72

• I awake to the smell of smoke. I jump up from the bed. I have to save mom and dad. I run down the hallway, but the entrance to their wing is already in flames.
• “Mom! Dad! Mom! Dad! Don’t leave me! Don’t leave me. Take me with you!!!” I cry out, but they don’t answer. I sob. I’m going to be alone. I don’t want to live like this. I don’t want to live with Uncle Theo. It’s better for me to die.
• I stand and take slow steps towards the fire. Suddenly, I feel myself shaking, and when I open my eyes, Cole is holding me. I look at him, stunned, wondering why he’s here, but feeling overwhelmed, I ignore that and throw my hands around him and cry. This isn’t a dream. My parents are dead, and I might as well be all alone.