Page 2 of Fire and Bones

What to do!? What to do!?

She called out.

“Help! Please! I’m in here!”

Nothing.

She yelled again and again until her throat screamed.

Catching her breath, she strained for any sign of another human being.

Heard no voice. No movement.

Make a run for it? Somehow that seemed wrong. There were flames just beyond her door. She had no idea of the safest route out of the building.

Heart hammering, she retrieved her mobile and jabbed at digits with one trembling finger. Missed. Tried again.

A woman answered on the first ring.

Nine one one. What’s your emergency?

The building I’m in is on fire!

Ma’am. Please stay calm.

Oh, God!

Give me your location.

I don’t know the address. It’s a rented room.

Okay. I’ve alerted the fire department. A team will arrive shortly.

I’m going to die!

No. You’re not. I’ll stay on the line with you. Do you understand?

Yes.

She coughed.

Ma’am, are you injured?

It’s getting hard to breathe.

Does the room have a fire escape?

No!

Her eyes felt like smoldering embers. Tears ran down her cheeks.

A window?

No!

A door?

Yes! It feels hot!

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