Clara: Hold on tight to my neck, Leo! Do not let go, no matter what happens!
Leo: I'm scared, Clara! The fire is everywhere!
Clara: I've got you, sweetie! I am not going to let anything happen to you!
Clara pulled her white cloth tighter over Leo's small nose and mouth as a burning wooden beam crashed onto the carpet behind them[cite: 1]. Flames licked at the doorway, blocking the main hallway that led toward the central elevator.
Clara: The elevator shaft is full of smoke... We have to use the servants' back staircase!
Leo: My legs hurt, Clara... I tried to reach the door handle when I heard the alarm, but my chair tipped over.
Clara: You were so brave, Leo. You held on, and that's all that matters. Just keep your eyes closed.
She buried his face against her shoulder, shielding his small body with her pink uniform as she ducked beneath the thick layer of black smoke rolling across the ceiling[cite: 1]. The heat was scorching her skin, making every breath feel like burning ash in her throat[cite: 1].
Clara: Steps coming up! I am going to step down carefully. Stay still, Leo!
Leo: Clara... my mom and dad called my name before they ran out.
Clara froze for half a second on the narrow marble step, her heart clenching tightly in her chest[cite: 1].
Clara: What did you say, sweetie?
Leo: I shouted for help from my bed... I yelled 'Daddy, I'm in here!' but he closed my bedroom door from the outside.
Clara: He... he closed your door?
Leo: He locked it, Clara. He locked it so the smoke wouldn't get into the hallway while they loaded the bags.
A wave of pure fury washed over Clara, hotter than the flames raging around them[cite: 1]. She tightened her grip on the small boy, her knuckles turning bone white as she hurried down the remaining stairs.
Clara: They locked you in... They actually locked you in that room.
Leo: Is that why they didn't come back for me?
Clara: Do not worry about them right now, Leo. I am taking you out of this house, and I am never letting anyone hurt you again.
The narrow hallway at the bottom of the servants' stairs was filling with dense white smoke, making it nearly impossible to see the exit[cite: 1]. Clara coughed, her knees trembling from the weight and the intense heat, but she spotted the bright sunlight streaming through the broken glass of the grand front doors[cite: 1].
Clara: We are almost there, Leo! Open your eyes look at the daylight[cite: 1]!
Leo: It's so bright...
Clara: Just a few more steps, baby! Stay with me!
She kicked open the heavy oak door frame and burst out onto the marble porch, emerging into the fresh air as smoke poured out behind her into the bright afternoon courtyard[cite: 1].