177 INTO THE INFERNO LUKE’S POV “Sir, we have terrible news,” Jack told me. I couldn’t help but wonder what he was talking about at the moment. “Terrible news? What terrible news?” I asked out of curiosity. Now my mind was racing, and I couldn’t even guess what the information would be. “It’s your company, sir.” “Come on, tell me what’s the problem.” “The building’s on fire,” Jack vocalized. “What did you just say?” was told that the building is on fire, and I’m on my way there right now. But I’m close, and I can see the building on fire from here. Sir, you better come to see things for yourself.” “Okay, I’ll be on my way,” I told him, and then our conversation ended. “What’s that? Anything wrong?” Randy asked. “You don’t have to worry. Just be a good boy and stay home with your brother, okay?” Hen He nodded, and I ruffled his hair before leaving. I burst into my car and began to drive. This news was really shocking. Is my company on fire? A building that my grandfather put in a lot of effort to establish. Now someone would want to ruin it? Who was that person who even had the nerve to set that place on fire? I just hoped the information Jack gave me wasn’t certified. With my head filled with so many thoughts and worry, I reached my destination after driving for minutes. And I was not happy with what I saw. The building was on fire, just as Jack had told me. I quickly got out of my car, walking past the crowd that stood there. I approached Jack. “Sir, you came,” he told me. “What’s going on? How did this happen?” “I don’t know, sir. I was informed just the way I informed you.” “This isn’t good. Call the firefighters, or something.” “We’ve done that, sir. And they’re on their way.” I drove my hands through my hair, letting out a sigh. This was something I never expected. Whoever did this was so heartless. And if I ever got to know who such a person was, I swear on my grandfather’s grave that I would make such a person pay. 177 INTO THE INTERNS “Mr. Reynold, Mr.Reynold,” one of my workers approached me. “It’s actually a nice thing that you’re here,” he told me, trying to catch his breath. I didn’t know where he was running from, be clear to see that he was doing that before he got adjacent to me right now. “We have a problem, sir. Things aren’t right around here! “Of course I can see that. You think I’m blind? I don’t know what’s happening to my company at the moment.” “Oh, right. I know that, but two little children are in the building” I gave him a confused face. “Two little children are in the building? What were they doing there?” “I don’t know. But I was informed. Some people saw them stepping inside before the building begen to burn. They also told me that they saw this man wearing all black who was right behind the kids. But they couldn’t see his face.” “That must be the person responsible for this,” I said lowly, and then glanced back at my worker. “So you’re telling me right now that there are two little kids in that building?” “Yes, sir. And I believe we have to save them.” “Well, who’s going to volunteer to go inside?” I looked at Jack forthwith, and he quickly turned his face away. “You have no idea if I wanted to increase your payment. But the thing here is that I don’t want to. I just want to ask if you can go in there and save those kids.” “I don’t think I’ll be able to handle that, sir. The fire right there is a tough one.” “Oh really?” “Yes,” Jack replied with a nod. “What if it was your little sister in there? Your wife, or any of your blood? Will the fire still be tough?” I questioned him. “I believe the firefighters will do their job.” “I can’t wait for those guys. I don’t even know why they’re taking such a long time.” “So what’s the decision then? You’re going in?” “Yes,” I answered. “Don’t you think it’s dangerous? You might die while trying to save them.” “Then so be it,” I responded. “I’m going to try my best to save those children, even if I have no idea who they are. If I were in their shoes, I’d want someone to come rescue me. So that’s what I’m about to do. I’m about to rescue them.“. “I still think this is too risky. You know, we can wait till the” “Not another word, Jack. I’ve made up my mind. I’m going straight to that building.” 177 INTO THE INFERNO 3/3 “Good luck, sir,” Jack said. I nodded before walking away from him. I made my way to the building, jumping through the entrance and not turning back to look at anyone, although I could hear some people yelling at me to not go inside. I wasn’t going to follow anyone’s advice in this situation. I was just doing what I felt was right, and indeed, this was right. The intense fire raging inside the building was a sight to behold. The flames danced and flickered, casting an eerie glow on the surrounding area. The crackling sound of things burning and the acrid smell of smoke filled the air, creating a sense of chaos and destruction. The fire seemed to have a life of its own, consuming everything in its path with an insatiable hunger. It was a powerful force, engulfing the building in a fiery inferno that showed no signs of slowing down. The dreadful heat radiating from the flames was almost suffocating, as if it were trying to escape t confines of the building and spread its destruction further. It was a terrifying and mesmerizing display of nature’s power. Could leave onlookers in awe and disbelief at the intensity of the fire burning inside the building. And it did, because I noticed some people’s faces back there. the Now, I could only imagine where these children were. The fire has ruined so many places in this large building that I could barely discern the directions. I move my hand through my hair, trying to decide where I was going to start off. I wasn’t going to give up. I wasn’t going to back out now. Those children, whoever they may be, must probably be praying to God right now to let them out of this horrific situation. And I was going to make sure their prayers got answered. I looked left, and I glanced right, putting on the armor of courage, letting the boldness take over, tossing away all fear, ready to make a move. The fire was indeed frightening, but I shouldn’t let the terror wash all over me. I needed to get this done. And I hoped those goddamn firefighters would show up any time soon. The fire made a thunderous sound, causing me to tremble right where I was standing. I moved a little bit backwards, and my eyes were closed after that. The moment I opened them, I took a deep breath. and quickly moved forward.
