Page 245 of Wrong Pucking Jersey

The grief.

The sadness.

The disappointment.

The burden of feeling nothing but a failure.

“I RATHER DIE IN THOSE FUCKING FLAMES THAN ABANDON MY MIKAYLA! YOU HEAR ME?” I point down at Winchester in that prime moment, my breath ragged as my body shakes uncontrollably.

Then I’m running.

Running so fucking hard, my lungs beg for relief.Each step that takes me higher into the stairwell brings me motivation as the spike of adrenaline only grows.

The smoke is thick, the heat so intense, and I can barely breathe when I’m panting like crazy.My eyes sting, tears soon rolling down my cheeks, but I can’t focus on the growing emotion that’s desperate for my attention.

The fear.

The heartache.

The intense scrutiny begging to claim every inch of my heart with the growing chance my Baby Girl is no more.

I can’t acknowledge it.

Can’t dare allow such a thought to form into a manifested reality.

If we die in this building of flames tonight, we will be together.

She will be in my arms.

Knowing how much I love her.

Knowing that if there was even a 1% chance of survival, I’d get on one knee and marry her.

“Please,” I beg to any universal being that can hear my desperate plea. “Get me and my Baby Girl out of here.”

Pulling at my sleeve, I wrap it around my palm so I can pull at the door that still manages to burn my flesh.The pain is but forgotten, my body screeching to a halt as I reach the single barrier that’s in my way from getting to my Sweet Kay.

“MIKAYLA?!” I scream and cough while attempting to open the door.

It doesn’t budge, which forces me to take a few deep breaths and shuffle back before gathering enough force to kick the door down after three attempts.The third time fucks up my leg somehow, the pain shooting at me with each step that follows, but I’m in the sweltering suite that doesn’t look any different from the hall.

The flames are spreading fast, and I notice that half the suite is already covered.

My eyes immediately look behind me at the door that’s beginning to go up in flames. I’m then looking at the balcony that has managed to remain intact.The thought of opening it taunts my mind, but if there’s any wind outside, the intense thick fumes of smoke will drift right out, which can only fuck us up if we inhale it while waiting for help.

Racing to the sink at the island, I avoid the side filled with flames near the stove and turn the tap on. Scurrying for my handkerchief, I damp it swiftly before turning the tap off.

The smell of gas hits my nostrils, making me realize time is running out.

This place will explode soon.

I have to get out.

Not without Mkaykay.

I know that for sure.

I’m rushing to the bedroom, thankful it hasn’t been engulfed in flames yet, but when I enter, I realize with one scan, it’s empty.

---