It Burns

By Iliana De La Trinidad

A baby’s cry pierces the night. His mother rises from her bed and runs. She cradles the boy, softly singing.

“Darling, it’s okay. Mommy is here.” But she wasn’t.

Soft footsteps stop in the door frame. A little girl stands, her daughter. Dark hair cascades over the ten year old’s face and the burnt nightgown skims the floor. Smoke pours from behind her.

The woman turns, apologizing for waking her up. But, she is not alone. Her vision turns black as they approach. “Mommy, I’m burning.” They two children disappear as she falls into their arms.

“Ma’am, the house is burning.”