Nancy, her face a mask of horror, ran forward to smother the flames that had started to burn on William’s arms. Thomas shoved me aside, his strength fueled by pure desperation, sending me crashing into the scorching stretcher. The pain was instant and searing as my palms sizzled against the hot metal. Blood welled up as the skin peeled away, but I bit back my scream, letting only a tear or two escape for dramatic effect.
The onlookers, already shaken by the chaotic scene, were now filled with pity. A woman approached me, helping to bandage my burnt fingers. “Poor girl,” she whispered sympathetically, “your in-laws are clearly out of their minds from grief. Once this is over, you should take them to the hospital. They’re not well.”
I nodded, playing along, my voice soft and broken. “William was their only child... it’s no wonder they’re acting like this. But me and my daughter will do our best to take care of them now that William is gone.”
Nancy, her face twisted in fury, screamed, “Shut up! If my son has even the tiniest scratch on him, you’ll regret it!”