Tess and Ellie had spent all day trying to find Joel. But the storm was getting worse, and they were no closer to success. Finally, the cold got to be too much for Tess. Ellie noticed, and they headed towards the nearest shelter they could find. Overhead, in fading letters, was written: "STEAKHOUSE".
The place looked well-maintained, and though there were dishes and shit scattered all over the floor, at least it was warm inside. Ellie left Tess to curl up on one of the pleated leather seats while she went to find something to burn.
Outside, David's men, having followed their tracks, carefully circled the building. They pushed boxes loaded with bricks and other heavy materials in front of the only door to block it. They opened cans of precious gasoline and poured the contents on several exposed portions of the roof and walls. The steakhouse was made largely of cheap wood and flammable siding. The only fire extinguishers had been removed long ago.
As Ellie found an old lantern in the kitchen and set about finding a match, a cigarette was smoked and the butt tossed on the roof. A small flame sparked up, and began to spread. By the time Tess smelled the smoke, flaming bits of wood were raining down into the dining area.
"Ellie!"
"Shit! Stay there!"
She ran over to the faucets. No running water. No extinguishers.
She tried the door. Something was blocking it. The windows were covered with thick boards, too thick to break. There was a small window in the kitchen, but it was too high to reach.
The smoke was getting thicker. Tess started to cough. She took off her coat and tried to wrap one of the sleeves around her nose, with little success.
Ellie's eyes were stinging. It was getting harder to focus, what with all the heat and smoke. She started to feel faint...
"Ellie!"
What happened next was a blur, as Ellie's eyes closed and opened. She could see Tess trying, with all her might, to break down the door. But she was too weak.
Then, she heard a voice. "TESS! ELLIE!"
"WE'RE IN HERE, JOEL! GET US THE FUCK OUT!"
The sound of boxes overturning could be heard. The door opened.
Ellie could feel strong arms picking her up. The rush of air as someone carried her out of the burning building, fireman style.
Then more arms, wrapping around her. Suddenly, she found herself in a dream.
"So, kiddo, ready for your presents?"
"What presents?"
"The ones under the tree, sweetie. Your father saved up all year to get them for you, you know."
"Aren't we supposed to tell her Santa brought them?"
"Joel, she's almost a teenager."
"Right, right. Time passes by so quickly around here."
"Yeah, time does pass when we're not having to run for our damn lives every second of every day. Now hush up! Ellie, pick whichever one you like."