We all know that flames kill. We all can imagine what the corpse would look like once lying in flames. But, no one can imagine what it would feel like, unless they died in flames. I know what it feels like, but I survived that fire. How? I thought I was dead, passed out unconscious, but I woke up in the hospital the next day. My family had died in that fire, every one of them. Why had I survived? It wasn't fair, I'd rather perish in the flames than be brought up by a different family. A 'foster' family, which means they didn't like me yet. As I sat staring at the blue sky, I grumbled this to Chet, the one guy whom I loved that still breathed. He had taken the honor as our 'butler' and happened to be out on the family reunion. He was an old man, and his ears were bad, but I still enjoyed talking to him. He acted like he knew what I was saying, and I felt like someone was listening to me. "Oh Chet! What if this family hates me, will I have brand new quarrels with a brand new brother!?" I moaned. Chet shook his head sympathetically. An unwelcome tear danced in my eye. I was working on building a wall between this new family and myself. I didn't want sympathy from anyone besides Chet. I wiped my eyes on my sleeve, and concentrated on finally having a puppy. I had always wanted one. Finally, the car pulled up into the driveway of a rather large mansion. An old woman rushed out followed by two little boys, one little girl, a girl my age, and a boy older than me. As well as six dogs. The old woman was carrying a beagle pup. I got out of the car, and six dogs slobbered on my brand new jeans. The woman gasped, "Oh you're beautiful!" I blushed a little but quickly hid it, "Thank you madam." "Oh please, call me Liz!" She insisted. I learned the two younger boys were Tommy and Ben, the younger girl was Susan, the girl my age was Layla, and the older guy was Dean. "It's a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Rose," I mumbled. Liz planted a juicy kiss on my cheek, and I felt very dizzy. "This little guy," She gestured to the beagle pup, "Is yours! I always give newcomers a puppy, for puppies help them with their losses." That meant that these kids all lost their families, I couldn't tell if that comforted or disturbed me. I took the beagle with one hand, the other clutched my small suitcase filled with memories. I followed Liz up the winding stairs into the house, Chet followed close behind. "Living room, dining room, kitchen, parlor..." Liz chanted. I stopped listening after 'ball room'. Finally, I saw my room. It was an average sized room, to my relief, and contained simply a bed, desk, dresser, cabinet, and a closet. "A little homey touches might help, you can ask me for anything!" Liz explained. I doubted that she could get me 'anything'. My beagle squirmed and licked my face. I squealed and jumped while Liz applauded. Finally, I was alone with Chet. I gave him a peck on the cheek and shooed him away. He promised to visit me once a week. I collapsed on my new bed, and began to cry. This was the first time I had cried since I'd lost my family. The beagle came and licked my nose. "Tounge," I mumbled. Then I repeated it, until I knew that was my little beagle's name. Tounge.
