Part 12
The sun had just set when you first stepped out the back door to make way towards the maple groves. You love walking Thornhill’s grounds, it really helps you clear your head. It also brings back happy memories of playing tag through the trees or fall tappings as a kid.
Nowadays, your favorite thing is to bring a book and a blanket over to the old barn. It’s a little bit of a walk but you never minded.
-
You’ve just finished your book, wrapped securely in your blanket on a pile of hay against the back wall. It was nice and toasty out and this is exactly what you needed. Satisfied, you take a deep breath of the night air.
Strange, you think to yourself smelling a hint of smoke. Someone near by must be grilling or having a bonfire.
Your a few pages into the second book you brought when your stomach sinks. Thornhill’s grounds are acres of land. You’ve never seen or heard neighbors from here.
By the time you’ve fully processed what that means, fire is making way among the barrels lining the walls. The smell of burning syrup wafting and the ground, covered in hay, begins to catch as well.
“HELP!” You scream out knowing it would fall on deaf ears. You’re too far from the house. You grab your blanket and try to stomp and smother parts of the fire but it’s no use. It’s spread about too fast.
Still, you scream out again
“HELP!” This time you can barley get it out as the smoke becomes suffocating.
Pieces of burnt wood begin to fall around you locking you in place and you can hardly see. You get down on the ground and ball yourself up in the corner trying your hardest to get away from the flames. But the heat has got you dizzy and you can hardly breathe.
You swear you see a dark figure standing over you but you know this figure is not your savior.
All too soon the fire closes in and flames start to prick at your skin eating you alive.
-
A piercing scream rippled through Thornhill which, although once had been a common occurrence, lately seemed a distant memory. Until now.
Cheryl and Toni jump out of bed, bypassing their robes and slippers to scurry after the sound that they were sure to be their daughter.
After a quick run down the hall they opened the door to find their 16 year old, Olivia, doubled over, wracking with sobs.
Déjà vu.