Burning Promise

It's so sad =(

The three year old clung tight to his father's neck as he ran out of the house, carrying the boy with him. The boy watched over his father's shoulder, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes as he tried to see through the smoke. His father threw open the front door and they were instantly outside, in the cool night air. He froze in horror when he noticed the flames bursting through their living room window.

"Daddy?" In just one word his voice rose into into a high pitched one of fright.

"It's okay," his father set him down on his feet beside the mail box, "It's okay."

The boy suddenly clung to his father's leg, letting out a wail, "What's happening?"

His father knelt down to his height, staring into his frightened eyes. "There's just a fire. Help is already on it's way, it's fine. Look - I bought Ted!"

The man pulled out his favourite teddy bear from inside his jacket coat, that he'd thrown quickly over his pyjamas. The boy grabbed for the bear, no matter how much it smelt of smoke. The father's eyes welled, as he pulled the boy closed and kissed him upon the forehead.

"I love you," he whispered, before turning to stare back at the burning house. His heart was thumping quickly. He tore his eyes away to look back at his son, "I'll be right back, okay? I need to go get Mummy and Madison."

"Daddy, no!" the boy cried.

"I'll be right back," he insisted the child, "I promise. Stay here. Do not move."

The boy's legs gave way and he crumpled to the ground, wailing as his father ran back towards the house. He watched for what seemed forever as the flames engulfed their home; and he waited. He waited a long time, listening to the cackle of flames and breathing in the smell of smoke until the fire trucks arrived. Men in protection wear were instantly running across his front lawn as he sat, crying for his parents. One of them approached him, again kneeling to his height.

"Hey kid, you're alright. Can you tell me where your Mummy and Daddy are?"

"Inside," the boy moaned, "He went back to get Mummy and Madison."

"Madison's your sister?"

"Yes," the boy cried, hugging tight to Ted.

"And how old is she?"

"Seven months," the boy wailed as the stranger put his arm around him, and they both stared at the burning house, waiting for a miracle that wouldn't come.

[420 words]