Chapter 1 - The Fire That Took Everything

ELISHA POV

“Mom! Dad! ” I cried as I repeatedly screamed their names. I wanted to run inside, but I couldn't because the people around me were holding me back.

“Let me go! "I shouted.

“Ma'am, the fire is too strong. You can't go inside because you might get hurt as well,” one of them said.

“They're still inside! My parents are there! Please, save them.” My voice was almost gone from all the screaming.

It took several hours before the fire was finally put out.

I saw one of the firefighters and immediately approached her.“How are my parents? Did you see them? Are they safe? "I asked, trembling.

She lowered her head.

“I'm sorry.”

“W-what? What do you mean, sorry? ” I said, my voice shaking.

Then I noticed her fellow firefighters. They suddenly became restless, and I quickly ran toward them.

“Mommy... Daddy...” I whispered weakly.

I screamed in overwhelming anger and pain until I collapsed.

The next thing I knew, I woke up in the hospital and saw my mother's sister.

“Aunt...” I called.

“My dear! Thank goodness you're finally awake.” Worry was evident on her face.

“W-what happened? "I asked.

“You lost consciousness. The doctor said your body couldn't handle everything that happened,” she answered.

“Where's Mom and Dad? ” I asked as the memories came rushing back.

She quickly looked away, as if she didn't know how to answer.

“Aunt...” I called again.

“You should get some rest first. You're still not in good condition,” she said.

I knew she was avoiding my question.

“They're safe, right? They're alive? "I asked, even though her reaction already told me the real answer.

“Elisha...”

“Answer me, Auntie! My parents are safe, right? I couldn't stop myself from raising my voice. Was my question really that hard to answer?

“My dear...” she began.

“Hm?”

“T-they're gone,” she whispered.

I slowly shook my head as I stared at her.

“You're joking, right? N-no... That's impossible. They wouldn't leave me,” I said as I hurriedly removed the medical tubes attached to me.

“What are you doing, Elisha? "Auntie asked in panic.

“I need to see them! I don't believe they're gone. They can't leave me. Not like this! ”

I immediately got out of bed and ran out of the room, ignoring my aunt calling after me.

Eventually, I found my way to where my parents were.

My hands trembled as I reached for the doorknob.

When I opened the door, I was met by the sight of two bodies covered with white sheets.

I covered my mouth as I slowly walked toward them.

“N-no... This can't be,” I said, my voice already breaking.

With trembling hands, I slowly pulled back the sheets.

There they were...

The two people I had been desperately looking for.

Half of their faces had been severely burned.

I slowly stepped backward.

“My dear...” Aunt called softly.

I hadn't realized that they had followed me.

“Tell me... This isn't happening, right? This is just a dream... a nightmare,” I stammered.

“Elisha, calm down.”

“No! Tell me, Aunt! This isn't true, is it? They're still alive. They wouldn't leave me. They wouldn't...” I was almost hysterical.

Then I heard my aunt shout loudly, and a doctor rushed into the room.

The next thing I knew, everything went black.

When I woke up again, all I could do was cry.

I didn't know how my heart was supposed to accept what had happened to them.

The last moments I spent with them kept replaying in my mind.

If only I had known that would be the last time...

I would have treasured every second.

I didn't know how I was supposed to live without seeing them.

How was I supposed to get used to not hearing Mom tell me how proud she was of me?

How was I supposed to wake up every morning without hearing Dad tell me how lucky he was to have a daughter like me?

We had so many plans.

I had so many dreams I wanted to achieve with my parents by my side.

But what now?

What am I supposed to do now that they're gone?

Who am I supposed to tell my worries, my what-ifs, and my achievements to?

I don't know anymore.

Out of all the bad people in this world...

Why did it have to be my parents?

They're my life.

My everything.

But in the blink of an eye, I lost them.

Not one...

But both of them.

SOMEONE POV

“We've finished the job you asked us to do, Sir.”

A smile spread across my lips.

“I'll transfer the remaining balance to your bank account. Make sure no one knows about this.”

I ended the call.

Quietly, I burned a photograph of the Gonzales family.

“If only you had accepted my offer, we wouldn't have ended up like this. But you were far too stubborn.”

“You were never supposed to die... But since it's already happened, I'll make sure no one discovers the truth. No one will ever know this wasn't an accident.”