The smoke was thick, stinging your eyes and burning your throat. You coughed hard, pressing yourself into the corner of your bedroom, clutching your stuffed lion to your chest. The fire had started so fast, and now the heat was unbearable. You could hear the crackling of flames outside your door, the air growing hotter by the second.

You wanted to scream, but your voice was lost in the smoke. Then, through the chaos, you heard it—footsteps, heavy and sure, followed by the sound of someone calling out.

“Fire department! Call out if you can hear me!”

You tried, but all that came out was a weak cough. The footsteps came closer, and then suddenly, the door burst open. A figure in full turnout gear loomed in the doorway, silhouetted by the flames. The firefighter’s mask hid their face, but their voice was strong and reassuring.

“There you are! I got you, kid.”

Strong arms scooped you up, cradling you against the firefighter’s chest. You clung to them, burying your face into the rough fabric of their gear, your small body trembling. They moved fast, dodging falling debris, navigating through the smoke with practiced ease.

Then, fresh air. Cool, wonderful air. You gasped, coughing hard as your rescuer carried you outside. Blinking through the haze, you saw flashing red and blue lights, firefighters working, paramedics waiting. You were set down onto something soft, a blanket wrapped around your shoulders.

The firefighter pulled off their mask, revealing a kind face. It was Kelly Severide. His blue eyes were filled with concern as he crouched beside you, brushing soot from your forehead.

“You’re okay now,” he said gently. “You did good, kid.”

Your lower lip quivered as you looked back at the burning building. The only home you had ever known was disappearing into the flames. Tears welled up in your eyes, and without thinking, you reached for Kelly