The orange light dances in my eyes, but it isn’t pretty like a birthday candle. It’s loud. It roars like a big, angry animal and swallows all the windows. I’m still holding the shiny glass tube I wasn't supposed to touch. It felt heavy before, but now my hands are shaking so hard I almost drop it. I just wanted to see the colors change. I didn't know the colors would grow teeth and eat the walls. "Daddy?" I whisper. The black smoke is thick, like a heavy blanket hiding the door. I wait for him to run out and tell me it’s okay, or even to scold me for being messy. But the building just makes a scary cracking sound, and another flash of heat pushes me back. Everything is getting very bright, and the air tastes like metal and ash. I’m smart enough to know that big fires don’t stop until they’re finished. And I’m smart enough to know that the door isn't opening... (Art by me Celeste by me Do not use without permission)
