“Not again,” Tammie cried out, wincing from the sound. “They must need maintenance again.”
“No!” I tried to shout, but it came out more of a whisper. “I think there’s a fire.”
“What?”
The suffocating cold eased a little, and I knew I wouldn’t lose myself this time. I was back in control of one thing, at least. “I smell smoke!” I yelled over the alarm. And then I was moving, past Tammie, to the point that was calling me.
Tammie yanked me back by the arm and refused to let go. She swung the doors open, yelling at the others to get outside. Then she shoved me towards the main entrance, but it was okay. The pressure was almost gone, and the cold wasn’t threatening to choke me anymore.
The rest of the group ran outside, only mildly concerned. The pull in my chest disappeared completely. Dark smoke drifted out from an open window. Most of us were coughing by the time we noticed flames snake up from the back of the building.
We watched in silence, huddling close together until sirens sounded in the distance. Tammie was still on the phone, yelling at somebody who apparently hadn’t listened to her concerns about the safety of the building. After she hung up, she watched alongside us, eyes full of unshed tears, as the entire back of the building collapsed in flames. That was it. No more drama club. No more community centre.
I felt bereft, but at least nobody had been hurt. Not that I had much to do with it.
“Well, shit,” I heard Tammie mutter under her breath. “Now what am I supposed to do?”