A DIFFERENT KIND OF FIRE-FIGHTER | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: A DIFFERENT KIND OF FIRE-FIGHTER | Previous Challenge Entry
By Debbie Roome
10/11/06
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES

A DIFFERENT KIND OF FIRE-FIGHTER

The corner house was on fire. Its frame gripped by consuming heat, blackened and buckled beneath the roaring flames. Emily stood across the road. One of several neighbours who’d gathered to gawk. She picked up bits of chatter.
“There’s still someone in there.”
“I dialed 911 as soon as I saw the flames.”
“The Fire Brigade got here very quickly.”
“Mrs Partridge is in the ambulance. I hope she’ll be alright.”
Smoke filled the air, thick, acrid, biting at eyes and noses. Emily was thankful her children were safe at school.
More people arrived as the fire-fighters attacked the fire. Suddenly a shout broke out. “He’s got the child! Make way. Let him through.”
Emily saw the form of a fireman stumbling through smoky flames, a tiny form clutched to his chest. Other firemen supported him, half carried him towards the ambulance. The crowd fell silent. Minutes passed and the only sound was the death cries of the crackling, hissing monster.
Finally, a fireman emerged from the back of the ambulance and raised his thumb towards the people. “They’re alright. They’re both going to make it.”

Back home that evening, life seemed so humdrum and tame. Jack was relaxing in his recliner and Tammy and Nicholas were fighting whilst she cooked dinner.
“It’s my turn to hold the puppy.”
“No it’s not. It’s mine.”
“You held him for twenty two minutes this afternoon.”
Emily called out to them as she poured cheese sauce over the spinach. “Tam, Nick. I think Pups needs a bathroom visit. Won’t you take her outside for me.” The door banged shut and through the window she saw the three of them ambling happily around the garden.
She was just about to serve dinner when the phone rang. Her sister, Sharon was on the line. “Emily. I know you’re probably busy with kids and cooking but I had to call. I think Paul is seeing another woman. I’ve packed a suitcase and I’m leaving him.”
Emily sighed inwardly. Sharon was such an impetuous hot-head. “Have you spoken to him Sharon? Asked him why he’s been working so many nights?” As she suspected, her sister hadn’t. “Go and unpack your suitcase and give him a chance to explain himself.”
A couple of hours later, the phone rang again, just after she’d tucked the children into bed. Jack called her. “Sharon for you, Honey.”
“Emily. I feel like such a clown. Do you know why Paul was working late? He was doing overtime to pay for a surprise cruise we’re taking next month. Thank you for calming me down. I could have ruined everything.”
Finally peace reigned and Emily snuggled up to Jack. She’d wanted to tell him about the fire all evening but hadn’t had a chance. “The fire-fighters do such a worthwhile job.” She said. “Saving people’s lives. Saving their homes. I feel my life is so tame. I don’t even have a proper job.”
Jack pulled her closer. “Can I tell you a story about a fire-fighter I know? Remember that verse in James 3 where the tongue is compared to a fire?” Emily nodded. “Tongues can start fires by saying wrong things, angry things. By making accusations. I know this amazing fire-fighter who can quench those fires. Her words are wise and seasoned with grace and she brings peace by what she says. Just this evening she stopped a heated argument between our two children and she stopped her sister from walking out on her marriage.” Emily turned surprised eyes to him. He smiled at her. “It’s a gift from God, Em. You’re one of his fire-fighters.”

PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.