WHAT WAS THIS FEELING?

GABRIEL

I heard nothing else but that the little girl was impossible to find. Then Kira’s despair.

“What do you mean you can’t find her? She was just here a minute ago… how could she…” Kira mumbled, but never got the chance to finish as her feet became weak and almost fell.

“Easy there, Kira!” I said, catching her in my arms.

I had forgotten what it was like to hold her, but now really wasn’t the time. I lifted her easily and laid her on the living room couch. More people had gathered around us, and Kira was becoming increasingly agitated.

“Please keep your distance! Kira needs to breathe!” I shouted and to my surprise Kira’s mother immediately jumped to my help.

“This young man is right! I will ask you politely to return to your homes. We have buried my mother, so...” she said without needing to continue. People were already retreating.

I looked at her gratefully and turned my gaze to Kira’s brother.

“Joe, please get me some vinegar from the kitchen.”

As soon as I passed the vin