The fiery monster was hot on their trail. “We have to go.” Tony held Ella at arm’s length and looked into her watery eyes. “The fire isn’t far behind us.” With his thumbs, he attempted to swipe away the tears from her cheeks. He longed to soothe her misery, but right now he had to concentrate on getting them to safety. “Where’s Patch?” Johnny choked out as a hot gust of wind blew smoke in their direction. “He’s in the cabin,” Ella said in a defeated tone. When Johnny shook his head, she added, “Did you check the closet in the bedroom? It’s where he hides when he’s scared.” “I’ll get him.” Johnny ran toward the cabin. Tony chased after the boy, catching him on the bottom step. “I’m not leaving without Patch,” Johnny sobbed, wiggling to get free. “He’s just a baby. We gotta save him.”
