Chapter 5

I sobbed and knelt down. My chest clenched as my eyes began to cry.

The firefighter yelled, "Miss! Miss! Stand there!" but I didn't hear him because I appeared to be deaf. I started crying even more, and my chest started to tighten even more.

My eyes clouded as I stared at the flaming condo. I finally gave up trying to stand it and slowly collapsed, losing consciousness.

When I opened my eyes, I saw a white ceiling. My back and the rest of my body hurt. I blinked and took a cautious look around.

I became aware that I was in a hospital. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. I opened my eyes once again as the door opened at the same time.

Clyde entered, and his first words were, "You're awake."

The setbacks in my life came flooding back to me as I saw his face. Surely he had a strategy for the condo fire as well!

My shaky voice questioned, "Why are you here?"

He said, but I didn't believe him: "I heard you faint, so I came here."

My voice