MABEL The smoke was thick. Black. Choking. Vanessa led us to the window. Her hands shook as she unlocked it. "Come on, come on," she muttered. The window opened. Fresh air rushed in, bringing the sound of sirens. Below, people were screaming. Running from the building. "The fire escape," Vanessa said. "We have to go down." She climbed out first. Then reached back for Liam. "I'm scared!" Liam cried. "I know, baby. But we have to go." Vanessa pulled him through. "Come on." I followed, coughing from the smoke. The fire escape was metal. Shaking. Old. We descended quickly. One flight. Two. Three. Below, I could see the source of the explosion. The parking garage. Or what was left of it. Flames shot from the entrance. Thick black smoke billowed up. Car
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