As we rushed toward our house, the fire had already caused a commotion in the neighborhood. Neighbors began gathering one after another, and someone had already called the fire department.
I fell to my knees in shock when I saw the scene. It truly was a sea of flames, and from the intensity, it felt as if waves of fire were crashing over each other. Despair took over me, and for the first time in my life, I felt helpless. Even though I had faced my sister's death before, that was something already done—there was nothing I could do about it. Even if I wanted to act, I couldn't change anything. The dead do not return to life.
The firefighters had not yet arrived, but we were told it would take up to fifteen minutes. I looked into my brother's eyes, which reflected the flames, and for a moment, I likened them to the red tunnel lights cars pass through.
I clenched my fingers and decided to break into the house after a moment of thought. I had to do it. Losing the house alone was a huge loss—how could someone live without money? Our older sister was gone, and we had little money left. Some might call me crazy, but I looked at it from my own perspective, not theirs. I would rather die than live without money. Living without money is like living without water—both carry the same meaning. Even though water is the source of life, both are essential. Without money, you cannot live; you will be treated as worthless in society. Without water, you suffer thirst to the point of death. That is why I had to go in—the little money we had left was inside. If the fire continued, it would be destroyed. I hoped I could reach it in time.
"You idiot!!! Stop!! Are you crazy!? Can't you see the whole house is burning!?" Arthur shouted at me from the crowd.
I heard his voice and sighed—but kept running.
Boom.
I broke through the door and saw our house… completely engulfed in flames.
Outside, when Arthur saw me enter, he clenched his teeth and quickly took action—pouring water on himself and calling for help before attempting to follow me.
I climbed the stairs, covering my mouth and nose. Smoke was everywhere, blocking my vision—but it was my house. Even if I couldn't see, I knew the way. I rushed upstairs and entered my late sister's room. I quickly searched for the money, and when I found it, I put it in my pocket.
The fire was getting worse by the second, so I hurried to leave—but as I tried to exit the room, I noticed a piece of paper on my sister's desk. I glanced at it quickly, my mind racing.
Who would leave a note in my sister's room? Neither my brother nor I had entered it for a long time.
I read it:
"Your sister did not commit suicide. A criminal killed her. Keep this truth in your mind and tell no one. At the right time, I will contact you."
Suddenly, countless thoughts clashed in my mind.
My sister's suicide…?
The house fire…?
What is the connection between them?
It was clear something had been planned—but who would hold such hatred to do this? And who left this note inside the house? I was certain it had been placed before the fire. But wasn't that risky? Or did they take the risk just to inform me? Did they expect I would enter a burning house?
These might be just assumptions.
The only thing I was sure of now was that my sister's death was planned—and this person was trying to hint it to me. As for the fire, there was no proof it was planned.
BOOM!!!
An explosion occurred near the room.
I immediately tried to escape—but something had fallen, blocking the door. I slammed my shoulder against it.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Four.
Five.
Six.
Every attempt failed. Breathing became harder. I began to feel dizzy—but I didn't give up.
On the seventh attempt… it broke.
I ran.
Things were getting worse—wood falling, stairs collapsing. As I reached the stairs, I jumped.
It was a gamble: succeed and survive… or fail and fall with it.
I made it.
Joy filled me, even as my vision blurred. I kept running, but my speed slowed. The smoke choked me. My sight faded.
Just a few steps left…
I forced my body forward—step by step—like a man searching for water in the desert.
But in the end…
I collapsed.
"Is this my end? Haha… looks like I'll join you soon, sister…"
Darkness took me.
---
I woke up two nights later.
I found myself in a room, leaning on a bed. My head was heavily bandaged, and a tube was connected to my arm. I quickly realized I was in a hospital and sighed.
"Looks like I didn't die… how strange life is."
A nurse saw that I had woken up and informed my brother. He came and explained everything—how the firefighters arrived just as he was about to enter and managed to save me.
"Edward, it seems you were lucky this time! What was going on in that thick skull of yours when you decided to enter the house?! Don't ever do that again! Do you think life is just some snack?! …sigh… well, what's done is done. Forget it. Oh, and by the way, your friend John sent you a message. Here."
"Really? John sent a message? Thanks."
I opened the letter. It read:
---
"Dear Edward,
By the time you wake up, your brother will have given you this letter. I left you a basket of apples—eat them and gain some weight, hahaha.
I hope you're doing well and that your injuries are not serious. Please follow the doctor's instructions so you can recover quickly.
I heard about your situation. It seems you and your brother no longer have a home to stay in, so I would like to invite both of you to stay at my house. Of course, if you have relatives to go to, you can refuse.
I know you're tired, so I won't make this long. Think about it. As you can see, I'm also busy solving the assignments our teacher gave us at school.
Take care of your health.
From John to Edward"
---
I sighed. "He could've just called me…"
"Well, that doesn't matter. He clearly means well—why refuse?" my brother said, standing beside me.
"Hmm… alright, why not. But please, leave me alone for a while. I need some time to myself."
"Okay. If you need anything, call me. If you can't, tell the nurse to call me."
He left and closed the door behind him.
And then…
My thoughts ignited once again, growing deeper and darker.