The upper hallway was already a nightmare of heat and orange light. Smoke hung thick against the high ceiling, making it impossible to see more than a few feet ahead. Flames licked along the wooden picture frames and spread across the rich crimson carpet. Hannah coughed behind her cloth, the intense heat baking her skin as she pushed forward through the blinding haze. She knew every inch of this house by heart, and she used the wall molding to guide her steps toward the east wing.
Every second felt like an eternity. The roaring sound of the fire swallowed all other noises, but Hannah kept her focus locked on the wooden door at the end of the hall. Leo's bedroom was right next to the study where the fire seemed to have started. As she drew closer, she saw heavy wooden chairs jammed tightly beneath the brass handle of Leo's door. Vanessa had intentionally barricaded the exit from the outside to ensure the poor child could never escape.
Anger surged through Hannah's veins, giving her strength she did not know she possessed. She grabbed the heavy wooden chair, shouting through the thick smoke as she pulled with all her weight. The wood creaked and groaned against the doorframe, but Hannah kicked the base until the chair gave way and slammed onto the floor. She grabbed the hot brass handle, turned it with a fierce yank, and shoved the heavy oak door open.
Inside, the bedroom was filling rapidly with grey smoke from the burning doorway. Young Leo was huddled near the far window in his wheelchair, clutching a small stuffed bear to his chest. Tears streamed down his soot-stained cheeks, and his chest heaved as he struggled to breathe the hot air. When he saw Hannah burst through the flames, a tiny cry of hope escaped his lips.
Leo: Hannah! Help me! Vanessa locked it!
Hannah: I am here, Leo! I have got you!
Leo: I could not open the door! The handles would not move!
Hannah: Do not worry sweetie! Just wrap your arms around my neck!
Hannah dropped to her knees in front of the wheelchair, wrapping her arms around the terrified boy. She threw his small arms over her shoulders and pulled him tightly against her chest, lifting his weight with all her power. The wheelchair was too heavy to maneuver through the burning debris in the hallway, so she had to carry him out in her arms. She wrapped her wet cloth over his nose and mouth to shield him from the poison air.
Hannah: Hold on to me! We're going!
Leo: I am scared, Hannah!
Hannah: Keep your eyes closed! We are going to make it out!
With Leo secured tightly against her body, Hannah turned back toward the inferno. The doorway was now completely framed in burning wood, and embers rained down from the ceiling like hot ash. She hugged the small boy close, bowed her head, and stepped straight into the heat.