Chapter 1

I grew up knowing the truth. And, like most truths, it wasn't something a kid should grow up knowing. I suppose you could say my parents were bad for doing that to me but I think they knew all along. 

They knew they were going to die. They spent my life preparing me for the moment when they would no longer be there. 

They also left me with two frightened little kids who still believed in Santa Clause. I was fifteen years old. I should have been worrying about my math test, hanging out with my friends, and surfing the web. I shouldn't have been making life changing decisions. 

But I was doing exactly that. The decisions wouldn't only change my life, either. The lives of my two little brothers were also at stake. 

Alec clung to his teddy bear as I emptied the contents of our kitchen cabinets into a duffel bag. If Sammy listened to me, he was upstairs packing up his clothes and anything he didn't want to leave here. Two backpacks-full of my stuff and Alec's stuff-already sat by the front door. 

"Hey Alec, buddy, wanna put your jacket on?" I turned to my seven year old brother. "And hurry up-ok? We gotta get outta here fast."

I picked up our photo album and slid three pictures out of their sleeves. They were pictures of us as children. And, soon, they would be the only pictures of us left. 

I gave one to Alec and another to Sam-as he came down the stairs, dragging a blanket. I folded the last one up and tucked it into my pocket. 

"Sammy, take Alec and go outside. Wait in the yard for me. I'll be out in a second." I told my brother as I helped Alec put his backpack on.

"What are you going to do?" Like any nine year old Sam didn't listen well.

"Sam, just go. Please."  I watched as the little brown haired boy grabbed his brother's hand in his own and walked, stoically, to the front yard. 

I knew Mom and Dad were gone-no one had to tell me that, I felt it inside me. And I knew it was up to me now. The fate of the world rested in my hands.

A spark fell to the floor. It slowly followed an imaginary trail of gas straight to the oven. A rogue flame licked at the legs of the dining room table. The flames grew bigger and brighter until they engulfed the whole house.

Without realizing I left the house, I found myself standing in the front yard with my brothers. I gave Sam's hand a reassuring squeeze, as we watched the only home we ever knew burn to the ground. I knew, in my heart, that it would take more than that to piece him back together again.

Reviews

[CLUTZ]

Great start. I'm a little confused as to how you went from "The fate of the world rested in my hands." to "A spark fell to the floor. It slowly followed an imaginary trail of gas straight to the oven. A rogue flame licked at the legs of the dining room table. The flames grew bigger and brighter until they engulfed the whole house." Is this boy (if it is a boy) a firestarter, or did he have a match? It wasn't real clear, and ended up lost. However, I liked everything else, and I think you did a great job.

[Zare]

Thank you for your review! He is a firestarter, I probably should have made that more clear.

[CLUTZ]

I figured he was, and you are very welcome