I finally break through the window when I see the threatening wood planks fall over Azalea's crib.
"NO!" I scream with all force. "Azalea!" Screw being strong and confident. I begin to sob. "Azalea!" I propel myself to through the window and bring the collar of my robe to my nose.
"Azalea!" I repeat, holding on to the thought that she is NOT dead. I race over to the crib, dodging any falling embers. Tears blur my vision and I stumble through the smoky firing darkness.
"Azalea," I repeat, beginning to choke on my words. I find the crib and blink through the thick smoke. Tears stream down my face and it is hard to notice that the crib is vacant besides the burning wood.
SHE'S NOT THERE? OH GOODNESS.
"Rissa!" I turn and can barely make out Gale peering through the window. "Get out!"
"Gale! Gale...Gale!" I cry even harder knowing that they are safe.
He waves me over with one hand. "Now!"
I stumble over to the window and struggle to hoist myself up. Gale grabs a hold of my arm and pulls me out. Once we are out, we run across the street into the deserted park and collapse under a tree.
Gale props himself against the trunk and brings me and Azalea close. I gather some of his shirt in my fist and cry into his chest. Azalea seems to do the same, coughing here and there. But Gale doesn't mind. I swear I even see him shed a tear.
What is happening?