Flames flickered, illuminating the houses across the street in soft, orange light. It spewed from the front windows, and the woodwork was blackened beyond repair.
Rumpled figures, some still in nightclothes, frantically dashed to and fro, desperately trying to salvage furniture before the licking flames devoured them. They shouted, mouths moving agitatedly, but I couldn't hear them. I watched silently from the window as the old fire truck was pushed down the street, and my hands gripped the sill with enough force that my knuckles were white as milk. If the fire spread here; across the street, I'd have to go outside—I hadn't gone out for nearing sixteen years; at least not with people out, and I wasn't about to now.
But then I saw her; just a little girl — the one I left gifts for in the knothole — in a lumpy grey coat, watching the flames tear and destroy the house. It was a far enough distance away, but I could see her shivering. Was it cold outside? I felt something claw at my conscience — compassion. There was a blanket on the couch, perhaps if I might give it to her— No. No, no, no—I couldn't. The thought of even stepping a foot onto the porch made my stomach squirm. I squinted through the window again. The fire was spreading to houses on either side of the burning one, and the figures dashing 'round were more frantic than ever, beating at it with blankets.
When the second fire truck rolled up into sight, I made up my mind. I walked softly to the sofa and gathered up the blanket, taking a long, deep breath to calm my nerves. The knot in my stomach only tightened. I gripped the doorknob for what felt like days before I managed to turn it. Looking through the open door, the world seemed so much more warped and intimidating, but I stepped into it.
Everyone's eyes were glued to the fire, and I crept unseen behind their backs. The little girl's back was to me, a boy next to her, and her eyes were slightly glazed over, as if she was seeing but not comprehending. I opened my mouth to say something, but shut it just as quickly. With a wan smile, I tucked the blanket around her shoulders and disappeared into the night.
The small act of compassion made me feel… kind, somehow, and I couldn't suppress the genuine smile that grew on my face.