BOOM! SKREEEEEEEEE!

CRASH!

"FIRE!"

Sirens wail outside my house, screaming in through the windows my parents left open this morning. I jump over to the back of the couch when I hear this, pulling back the curtains so I can get a better look at what's going on: people are running through the streets, some coughing – doubling over and with hands cupped, hovering over their mouths – and others crawling along the ground as they try to escape the cloud of smoke that has formed over our block.

"What the hell?!"

I leap off of the couch now and sprint to the door, wrenching it open with the full strength of my arm. It smacks against the wall so hard that by the time I step out from within the safety of my house, it's already slammed shut again. With bare feet I rush down the steps, my black hair instantly twisting around my ears, into my face. The wind is strong where the smoke is coming from and I have to duck when I get to the street. Only half a meter from the stairs someone bumps my shoulder, making me stumble – but I manage to keep my balance as I continue down the street.

The stench of burning gas fills my nostrils, filling my eyes with tears. I'm double over from the force of my suddenly shriveling lungs, hacking into my hand as my neighbors push back and forth as they went to and fro from the smoke. It's like they can't see me. They can't even…

They can't… augh. I can't stand this. All I see is smoke before me; all I hear is the roaring bellow of the fire that caused it. Crimson fire trucks gleam through the smoke, the light bouncing off of their shimmering sides to cut through the low, grey clouds.

Beyond that, there is nothing. Voices speaking beyond the smoke, footsteps pattering back and forth… I can't tell who is there, who's coming toward me or shriveling in the smoke. The only thing that's certain is the lack of breath in my lungs, and my muscles tensing in response to it.

I wonder, as my legs falter beneath me, if my parents know… if this disaster is on the news yet… if they know.


A/N: Ok, so I know that there are many people who consider prologues useless. I generally agree with this, although I thought that this time I might add something to the story by having a slightly more defined background for her. This might help with that... somewhat?

Let me know what you think! I know there were many people who wanted me to continue with the other, although I honestly couldn't. So, I hope you enjoy this one just as much - if not more.