✞ Chapter One ✞

 

   I opened my eyes to sounds of crying and bombing. I jumped out of bed to look out my window and see smoke, smoke, everywhere. There was fires everywhere and more smoke. Shouting came from a helicopter above. No. This can’t be happening.

 

“Mom!” I desperately yelled, a lump forming in my throat, making it harder to shout.

 

“Ella!” she screamed as a reply.

 

I ran towards the voice to see her crouched over my brother’s crib. I ran over to her, to see her touching his face.

 

“Is Elijah ok?” I asked my mom, referring to my little brother.

 

She wrapped an arm around my shoulders and I leaned my head on her arm.

 

“No, Ella, he died,”

 

“Why?” I whispered.

 

“The bomb smoke is too much for an infant’s lungs, my dear,” she said, trying not to cry.

 

“No, no, no,” I whispered weakly, falling to my knees and rocking back and forth in despair.

 

“Child, don’t cry,” my mother said, reaching out her hand for me to take.

 

“OK.” I sniffled. 

 

We kissed Elijah goodbye before quickly packing our necessities, and walking out to the fire – filled, dangerous, world, ready to fight to leave, to find peace. 

 

 

[END UNTIL CHAPTER TWO]