Burn Our Relationship to a Crisp

I immediately looked up, and what I saw nearly made my heart stop. Margaret must've gotten overwhelmed by the smoke and climbed over the balcony.

Luckily, there was a narrow ledge outside, which was about four inches wide. Somehow, she managed to stand on it, but being 17 stories up, one wrong step could send her falling to her death.

My hands were soaked in sweat.

Suddenly, I got a message on my phone. I checked it, and to my surprise, it was from Margaret.

"It's been forever, Rue, and I still haven't heard any fire trucks. I don't think I can hang on much longer. The pain from the burns is unbearable. I can't even imagine what Bernard went through.

"You've been visiting me all this time, but that useless son of mine, Joshua, barely even stops by. I knew something was going on between you two.

"I actually looked into it. His first love returned, right? You never really talk to me about your problems, sweetheart. If I'd known earlier, I would've taken care of that jerk for you. I felt so bad for you, Rue.

"The fire truck still hasn't arrived, and I'm pretty sure Joshua's behind it. I never thought I'd spend my whole life struggling to survive, only to end up dying because of the son I raised for over 30 years.

"I've saved up some money for you in the bank. The PIN is your birthday. I'm all for you getting a divorce from him. When I'm gone, just bury me next to Bernard.

"Don't bother inviting Joshua to the funeral. I don't want him anywhere near it. Our bond just wasn't meant to last in this life, Rue. It'd be great to see you again if there's life after this."

My eyes went wide as I watched that frail figure leap from the 17th floor.

"Margaret!" I screamed in pain.

At the same time, I could hear the familiar wail of fire sirens.