Heroine

The flames snap and bite at my heels as I soar through the burning warehouse. Sweat builds up on my forehead, my oxygen tank wearing my down, but I continue to heap over the oil tanks. I can hear shrieking cries of help, filled with pain and desperation. I bolt in the direction of the screams, as the fire around me grows stronger and scorches my suit. Lifting my axe, I hurl the blade at the wooden door, cracking the paint and tearing kindling. Through the holes, I can see two children with their faces buried in their mother’s arms. With all my force, I kicked the door, ripping it off its hinges and sending it flying. The trio hurry towards me, I snatch one of the children up into my arms, and lead the mother to the exit. Then, without a warning, the floorboard gives in, pulling me down to an inescapable doom. At the last second, I grasp the splintered floor and hang above a ten foot pool of flames. They jump and snarl, trying to take hold of me. I feel a hand on mine, and look up to see the mother. I throw my other arm, and with both our strengths, manage to lift me from the pit of hell. All four of us sprint to the doors, bursting into the outside world. As we sit on the edge of the ambulance, oxygen masks to our faces, the little girl slides over and hugs me in an embrace I longed to give.