. "Someone's got to go! Th

uses down, stepped forward. He was a quie

couple of the younger l

me, but I felt his

grim. They grabbed makeshift weapons – a

ered. "Maybe the fire will kee

tched the cougar. It was relentless, throwing its weight ag

, alone. I could i

e cool glass of the window, my g

sky in hues of orange and purple. The shadows lengthened, an

ders slumped, their faces etc

jaw was

he curse. "David said we were ly

ere, whining about wanting to stay for the fireworks. Said Emily was just

rt cle

ed a birthday. A c

a party for Jessica. Cake, pre

ing. Not e

who had to help bake Jessica's

la and sugar alway

ough a small, grimy window near the

Grandma

olding so

out a small, carefully wrapped pac

and trembling, b

They don't... they don't get you a

in my eyes,

n the only one. The only o

r supplies for weeks, a little at a t

love reaching out through the fear and th

t just st