A New Day
by Gloria DiFulvio
She took two steps forward on the dock, her toes suspended off the edge, her arms outstretched saluting the morning sunlight. She looked forward to that feeling of weightlessness that only the water could offer. It was time to return to her routines. This cottage was her escape, the place which made her feel truly alive. She took a deep breath when the glimmer of light caught her eye, making her pause. As she shifted her gaze to the right, she saw the flame hovering just below the surface of the water.
She closed her eyes tightly trying to shake the image, but when she opened them again, the flame had grown bigger. Her knees became weak. Unable to withstand the weight of her, she collapsed on the dock. She wrapped her arms tightly around her knees pressing them firmly into her chest feeling the heat fast approach.
She tried to tell herself to do something — to run, but her legs failed. Her focus instead turned to her hands. She poured every bit of her energy into getting her fingers to move. It was her index finger that listened first; releasing the stranglehold on her wrist. The others soon followed and finally her hands were free. She used them to search beneath the thick smoke that now engulfed her. Where was Morris? He was just coiled on her lap not long before the flames started, but now she couldn’t find him. She couldn’t leave here without him.
She tried to call out his name, but when she opened her mouth she felt the burn reach deep down into her belly. She exploded in a cough unable to catch her next breath. Her only escape was the window, its glass shattered in the heat. The haze of light from the street lamp was her savior. Morris, please follow the light — she thought she said it out loud, but couldn’t be sure. Maybe Morris had heard her. The smoke too thick to keep her eyes open, she felt her way to the opening and climbed across the remaining shards of glass. The fresh air soothed her burning lungs and for the first time she tasted her tears.
When Madison opened her eyes it took her a moment to recognize her surroundings. Her fingers gripped the edge of the dock. She exhaled, relaxing her shoulders slightly, remembering she was safe. It had been months since the fire and yet she still found herself searching for her faithful companion. Though he was gone, she still wondered if she could have done something more to save him.
Madison walked back and forth on the dock. She took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh, clean air. Today the fire wouldn’t swallow her. Today was a new day.
