"LEO!"
My scream was swallowed by the roar of the fire.
I didn't think. I didn't wait for Caleb. I sprinted into the house, ignoring the smoke that was already rolling down the hallway like a grey avalanche.
The nursery door was at the end of the hall. Flames were licking up the doorframe.
Please don't be dead. Please don't be dead.
I reached for the handle. It was searing hot.
"Elena, get back!"
Caleb shoved me aside. He didn't use the handle. He kicked the heavy oak door right off its hinges.
CRASH.
The door fell inward. We rushed in.
The room was filled with smoke, but the fire hadn't reached the crib yet. It had started at the window—where a Molotov cocktail had likely been thrown.
From the crib came a terrified wail.
"Dada!"
Caleb reached him first. He scoop
