Even if the fire stopped at this very moment, answering her silent prayers, there’d be so much damage it’d be a wonder if they could ever make it livable again.
It was overwhelming to witness, and it wasn’t even her house.
The woman’s hand shook as she let go of a toddler’s hand to sweep the hair from her face and gulp for a breath of air.
“We’re going to get you through this. Just breathe,” Sheila said, and then Doris pulled up in the fire department van.
Sheila followed as the volunteers shuffled the family toward Doris. Once they were getting into the van, Sheila ran over to Natalie and Orene, who were passing her a stack of Styrofoam containers of leftovers from the party for the family.
“I knew this would come in handy,” Orene said.
“You better get back in the van, Orene. It’s too cold to be standing out here.” Sheila ran the food over to the fire department van and handed it to the woman inside.
“We’ve packed up some food for you. They’re going to take you to the fire station, where you’ll be comfortable and warm.” Sheila felt ridiculous handing the woman food when there were larger problems staring them right in the face. “You might not feel like eating right now, but you’ll need this to keep your strength up.”
“Thank you,” the woman said. “I’m Diane. I don’t think I know you.”
“I’m visiting. I’m a friend of Natalie and Orene’s. My name is Sheila.”
Diane attempted to smile, then leaned forward, nodding as if she recognized Orene’s SUV. “Thank you for your kindness.”
Orene waved a bony wrist in the air. “Honey, this is awful. I can’t believe it,” she hollered from across the way.
“We were just getting on our way to your house for the party when the dog started barking nonstop. Something on the back porch caught fire. I have no idea what could have started it.”
“Oh darling. Thankfully, you are all here and safe.” Orene pressed her hand to her chest.
“I don’t know where the dog is.” Diane’s eyes darted around. She hitched the chubby red-faced crying baby on her hip. One look back to the house and tears fell to her cheeks.
“Let me take him for you.” Sheila held out her arms, and the baby reached for her. She cradled him in her arms, and he grabbed her shirt and smiled. A little snot bubble formed as he giggled against her warm wool peacoat. With nothing in hand to use, she wiped his nose with her fingers, saying, “You are a big boy. Everything is going to be okay.” Holding him tight to her body, she could feel his tiny heartbeat rabbiting in his chest. “It’s going to be all right.”
Diane shook out her arms. “He gets heavy.”
“He’s a healthy baby. That’s a good problem.” She bobbed him up and down. His tears were quickly replaced with giggles and coos.
Doris helped the last of the Jacob family on board.
“Your husband is on his way to Roanoke, and I just got anupdate that he’s stable. Don’t worry, Carter says he’s griping that he’s okay. That’s got to be a good sign.” Doris laughed.
“He always says he’s fine,” Diane said, “even when I know he’s not. I’m glad they made him go.” Diane took in a stronger breath. “I can rest easier knowing he’s getting checked out.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Doris agreed.
Sheila tucked the baby in Diane’s arms. “Here you go. He’s so precious. Is there anything I can do for y’all tonight?”
“Keep an eye out for our dog.”
“We will. What’s his name?”
“Bananas.” Diane rolled her eyes. “Kids named him. Don’t ask.”
Sheila reached into her pocket and touched a lone business card. “I’m in town for two weeks. Here, my cell phone is on this card.” She pressed it firmly into Diane’s hand. “Use it if there’s anything I can do. Even if it’s just to come and hold the baby or watch the kids so you can lock yourself in the other room and catch your breath.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Really. You are safe, and there are people here who want to help you and your family.” It surprised Sheila as much as it did Diane. Surprised that she was reacting like a lifelong resident of Chestnut Ridge.Maybe there’s something in the air here that opens hearts a little wider.An overwhelming need to help had come over her, and it felt good.
“Thank you so much.” Tears streamed down Diane’s face. “I’m sorry.”
