Chilling Flames

At 11:49pm on October 30th, a red fire engine skidded to a stop in front of 1891 Oak Street. The corner house was in flames. Mrs. Duncan stood outside in rollers and fuzzy slippers. “No one lives there. That house was abandoned. Don’t risk your lives going in. Just put out the darn fire before it spreads to my house.” she spat. “But, I swear I saw the silhouette of a girl in the upstairs window!” The man from across the street panicked, rushing over, “Please! What if she gets burnt up?” The firefighters looked at each other questionably. Up in the top window, a girl stood emotionless, hair blowing in the wind.

Despite Mrs. Duncan's protests, Chief Booker sent two men into the burning house. Just as the firefighters entered, the girl's figure disappeared. After a moment, the Chief attempted to contact his men over the radio to no avail. "Lee, get in there and check on them!" he huffed. Lee rushed in without hesitation, just as the town clock struck twelve. In a matter of seconds, the fire began burning out of control. "You lousy excuses for firefighters aren't doing your darn jobs! If you all don't get to sprayin, I'm calling the state!" Mrs. Duncan roared. At that, Chief Booker gave the word for his team to begin fighting the flames. After the fire was finally extinguished, the Chief stepped into the ruins himself to find his three firefighters frozen solid in their suits among the rubble.