Flames encased her body in a whoosh of yellow and red. Ani screamed then coughed from smoke and the acrid smell of gasoline filling her lungs as the man walked away and closed the door behind him. Fire spread like a living entity coming to consume her and her whole family. More flames erupted and fire licked the walls, spreading to the ceiling, engulfing the family room. It moved so fast! Pain racked Ani's body as she pushed herself to her feet. She pressed her hand over the bullet wound on her left shoulder. Blood coated her fingers and heat caused sweat to roll down her face. Despite the heat, she felt a flash of cold inside her that made her body shake. For a moment her vision wavered and she had to steady herself. She listed to the side and stumbled, almost tripping in her high heels. She heard a moan and turned to find her sister squirming on the floor. Jenn was alive! But so much blood was on one side of her face. Heart pounding, Ani took her bloody palm from her shoulder and caught one of Jenn's hands in hers.
