Chapter 46

Shirley

My gaze is locked on the fire, unwavering as my body slowly moves. I unbuckle my seatbelt, reach for the door handle to my right - completing each action like I’m on autopilot, in a trance. I can hear Keith yelling at me to stay in the car, but I’m already opening the door and stepping out.

The flames are still roaring and rising toward the sky, making me question how we didn’t notice them earlier. I can now confirm that what I thought was fog is actually smoke, floating up to the trees and dispersing through the surrounding area.

I’m in complete shock as I stare at the fire, my mind empty as I watch the Tudor enveloped and breaking to pieces. At this rate, the flames are sure to stream toward the forest as it’s already beginning to touch the trees. I pray that they don’t succumb to the heat, knowing it’s the only thing I can do. I feel completely powerless as the light dances within my eyes.

Keith’s voice is muffled as my ears are deafened by the pounding of my own heart. However, he’s not talking to me anymore as I see a phone pressed to his ear as he steps into my line of sight. I can only assume he’s contacting the fire department, also aware that the flame needs to be contained as soon as possible.

It all feels like a dream - every single moment of it. Only, the strong heat brushing my front, smoke filling my nose, and ash raining down on me allows me to know that this is very real. Someone set the Tudor on fire.

They had to. I can’t think of any reason why the house would burn up on its own. I didn’t leave anything on, there was nothing to indicate that there was a risk of a freak accident before I left. No - someone was here and they did it on purpose.

I only wonder if they knew if I was inside when they set the place ablaze, or if they even cared. Either way, whoever had done this was seeking a level of cruelty that was beyond baffling to me at this point. Who would want to do this much harm?

Still standing as stiff as a statue, most likely as white as a ghost, the firefighters eventually arrive on sight. They rush past me to get to the house, joining Keith as they begin to set up a hose, ask questions. But I can hardly take any of it in - my eyes are still trained on the house.

That is, until I feel someone touch my arm and hear a calm voice say my name from beside me. Slowly, my features remain blank as I slide my gaze over to the person, discovering Ron at my side. He breathes slowly as he takes in my demeanor, his own expression collected and controlled as he nods.

“Are you okay?” he asks me, and I can’t help but blink. I just say nothing and blink - as if I’m coming out of my trance and have no idea where I am. But when I finally come to, I shake my head at him.

“No,” I say. Physically - yes, I’m fine. Emotionally…I don’t know what I am, but I know it’s not “okay.” How can any of this be okay?

Ron says nothing as he takes in my answer. He only presses his lips firmly together and then he looks out at the fire, taking it all in. His actions cause me to do the same, my gaze easily going back to the flames as I watch more of the Tudor come down. Such a lovely home…and soon it will be nothing more than ash and dust.

We watch as the firefighters get the hose going, all of them shouting as they begin to spray at the hues of red and orange that dance from the wood. The fire does not want to be tamed, but the men are determined and skilled as they continue to try to overpower it. The flames lash out at them, but orders are called out as they direct the water harsher against it, fighting against its advances.

But their efforts stop as Keith begins to yell above the rest of them, telling them to get back as cracks and snaps can be heard throughout the forest. Men rush from the sidelines, getting out of the way just in time. Before us all, part of the house begins to collapse, sending cinders skywards as it lands harshly against the forest floor.

The sight makes me shudder, imagining the kitchen breaking to pieces. Ron seems to notice my reaction, but he still says nothing. Instead, his arm slides around my shoulders, holding me together as he scoots me closer to his side. I hardly know the man, and yet the action is comforting, making my swallow as the men race back toward the house.

“I have no idea who would have done this,” the words brush out of me as the hose starts up again. My words cause Ron to squeeze my shoulder, his touch soothing me again. I’m thankful for his actions - his behavior toward me is so wildly different than his sister’s.

Speaking of Lily…the woman enters my mind again as I imagine her sharp features and disapproving gaze. Could she have done something like this? I feel guilty for thinking she would when her brother is currently comforting me, but I can’t help the sudden thought. However, I would never admit my suspicion to Ron.

Besides, I have to believe Lily wouldn’t go to such drastic measures just because she doesn't like me. Just like the rabbit, starting fires doesn’t seem to be in her character. Plus, she was at the meeting with me less than an hour ago - it’s clear that the fire was started well before she left.

Putting aside my questions for now, I still stand with Ron as the firefighters and Keith continue their work. That is, until my eyes go toward the section of the house where the bedroom had once been, making me realize all of my things are now ruined. Aside from the clothes on my back and my work bag tucked away in the car…I have nothing.

“Everything will be fine,” Ron says then, as if sensing my thoughts. “The important thing is that you’re safe.”

His words are kind and warming as they reach me, but I know they can’t completely ward off how shaken I feel. Still, I try to keep piecing myself back together as my arms wrap around myself.

“I guess I’ll have to check into a hotel tonight,” I admit, almost laughing - though I’m not sure why. “I don’t really have anywhere to go.”

I watch as Ron begins to open his mouth, likely to offer more words of reassurance. However, they never quite leave him as another voice interrupts, coming from my other side.

“You’ll stay with me.”

Both the statement and voice nearly cause me to jump, but my head swiftly turns instead, disbelief flooding over me as I discover Keith.

Keith asked - no, told me to stay with him.