Her face pales. “Shit.”
I barely remember the drive.
It’s everything I can do to see the road and keep my truck on it.
Val doesn’t say anything, just keeps her palm flattened on my leg as we whip through the narrow country road.
The glow is visible from miles away, growing into an angry toxic cloud against the lightening sky.
When I finally pull into the lane, a uniformed deputy holds up his hand to stop me.
I’m tempted to just blow past him.
“I can’t really let you past,” he says as he leans closer to my lowered window.
“It’s my house,” I choke out.
Val tips over my shoulder. “We’ll stay out of the way, officer, but please, we need to be there.”
He doesn’t look much older than me. Clenching his jaw, he gives a curt nod and straightens. “Just don’t go past that first set of corrals, it isn’t safe.”
“Thank you, sir.” I take off quickly, before he can change his mind.
“Holy—” She falls silent as the roaring flames leap into view.
It’s the whole half where my room, Sophia’s, and my grandparents were sleeping.
Dad raises his arm, waving us over.
I rush out to wrap my arms around him, burying my face against him like I was ten all over again. “Are they okay?” My voice cracks in desperation.
Dad hugs me tightly. “I’m sorry, son.” His own words are laced with pain.
A sledgehammer of agony crushes my heart.
“I tried,” he whispers. “I couldn’t get to them. But they brought them out a little while ago.”
Standing to face him, I wipe my cheek and try to bite back the quiver in my lip. “I know you did, Dad. I wish I had been here.”
But his jaw clenches. “I don’t. You might not have made it out either.” He looks past me to the raging fire, the churning red light revealing the haggard hollow under his eyes.
Lori and Sophia are huddled nearby, each holding a squirming baby.
“I might have been able to—”
He cuts me off with a stern shake of his head. “Don’t fall into that trap, son. I did after your mom for years.” He swallowshard, glancing towards his wife. “It’s too easy to wallow in ‘what-if’s’.”
The sheriff appears from the darkness, gesturing for Dad and Uncle Dixon to follow him.
Val takes my hand, tugging me to her.
When I pull her close, the tears begin to fall.
Ijustsaw my grandparents last night. Now they’re gone?
“It hurts,” I sniffle against her neck.
She circles me with her arms. “I know,” she whispers, stroking the back of my head.
