Heart of the Flames

The fire crackled and burned, like the deepest pits of hell. Just watching its flames lick up the surrounding shrubbery, engulfing everything in its path, was deeply satisfying.

I was in a trance, walking slowly towards the ever-growing fire. I grew unaware of the things around me, my focus was entirely on the heightened flames. The smoke seeped into my lungs, burning my throat on its painful journey to my lungs. I wheezed, doubled over, and coughed until all the air in my lungs had dispersed. Then, and only then, did I feel the burning at my legs. I straightened, and ran, the fire was not far behind, I had to make it to safety. I could barely see anything, my vision clouded by the smoke, as though I was running with a blindfold. I could just make out the ground in front of me, until I tripped.

I tumbled into the undergrowth, getting my clothing caught on everything. I scrambled to get up, only to realise, that my foot was stuck. The fire creeped closer and closer, like a tiger stalking its prey. I tugged, trying my hardest to escape, but my effort was wasted. Sweat poured down my forehead, and I was giving up.

There was no hope left for me.