Short Story

It was a dark and stormy night.. I'm driving on my way home from a long day. I'm nearing the Ridgecliff Woods. Suddenly my nostrils fill with the smell of smoke. I round a bend in the road, and catch sight of a cottage on fire, flames licking their way up the sides of the wooden walls. I slowly get out of my car and make my way to the burning building. I will myself to stop, turn back and call for help, but my feet refuse to listen. I find myself in front of the doorway. I can feel the heat of the flames penetrating my skin. The smoke burns my eyes, but I don't blink or close them. My body is not my own. The violent sound of shattering windows fill my ears.
Among the smoke I make out a little girl. Her clothes, face, and arms are smudged black with ash. She doesn't appear to be hurt. I want to ask her if she's okay or if anyone else is inside, but I can't speak. The little girl doesn't tear her gaze away from me and neither do I. I take a slow step towards her, at the same time she does. I lift up my hand towards hers and like a reflection she follows. The fire is coming in around us, the smoke makes it difficult to breathe, but I don't run to safety. Our palms touch, and I feel goosebumps breaking through my skin. I see my own reflection in her eyes. It feels like hours flew by, and just for a split second I blink.
I'm back in my car, rounding the bend. I don't smell smoke, or hear the sound of crushing glass. There's no cottage anywhere to be found, just an open field. Dazed, I continue driving. I hear thunder in the distance, and one by one the raindrops start to hit my windshield. In less than two minutes, it's pouring. As I extend my arm to turn on the windshield wipers, I see the palm of my hand and it's darkened with ash.

Fun Nights

Food and stuff

Fruity drinks and stuff...

In Cabo

Cabo San Lucas

Snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the Sea of Cortez was amazing!