Madeline ignored the pain and suddenly shot to her feet.

“Hey, why are you ignoring me?” upset, Eloise grabbed Madeline’s hand. She had no idea what was happening behind her.

“Why would I ignore you, Mom?” Madeline held Eloise’s hand tightly. Her heart ached at the sight of the dirt and dust on Eloise’s innocent child-like appearance.

She did not have a clue what happened while she was unconscious, except that Eloise had woken up and the man was now unconscious on the floor by the door.

Madeline did not have the time to entertain those thoughts. Seeing the spreading flames that had started some time ago, she took Eloise’s hand and walked toward the exit.

The spreading flames blocked their way, and Madeline found herself coughing from the pungent billowing smoke.

It was only then that Eloise seemed to have noticed that the house was on fire. Staring dazedly at the raging flames, she seemed lost.

“Mom! Cough. We have to leave now!” Madeline squeezed Eloise’s hand. She tried t