Shelby Fire- Completed

72

The next day, vicky was sat by George's bed sed, holding his hand as she prayed to God. She wasn't a religious person. But sometimes, faith is the only thing to keep us going. She prayed for her family's well being. She prayed for Hillary and Stewart, and that God was looking after them. She prayed that Henry would be ok without his parents to raise him and she prayed that George would wake up soon. Watching him lie there, his chest slowly rising and falling was heart breaking. But at the same time, she didn't want to be the one telling him of his parents passing sadly. Yet, she knew it was the kindest way. No strangers, doctors or police. Someone he knew and loved. It would hurt. But it was the kindest way to break the terrible news

Henry has been staying with Tommy. He didn't sleep at night. Kept having nightmares and saying it felt weird without his parents in the next room. So Tommy stayed up with him, making hot chocolate and playing football in the garden at midnight and holding him as the poor boy cried. They ended up falling asleep curled up on the sofa after tommy had been reading to him. It was a difficult night for everyone. But for george, the morning would be even worse

Vicky noticed him slowly opening his eyes, gripping her hand tighter and coughing. Quickly, she grabbed him some water from the table and helped him sit up to drink it before lying him back down. With tears in her eyes, she gently pushed his hair out of his eyes and kissed his forehead

"You were so brave" she whispers to him

"You shouldn't have been there. The smoke, it could have killed you"

"You're the one in the hospital bed" she says with a small smile as he nods in recognition

"There were flames everywhere. And then it all went dark. I don't know what happened. I could just hear muffled voices"

"The roof collapsed. Arthur, Tommy and John, they got you out. You've inhaled alot of smoke Georgie, got a few cuts and bruises. You gotta promise to take it slow" she says wiping away her tears

"Somethings wrong. Whats happened? Is someone else hurt?" George asks holding her hand tightly, both of them shaking. Vicky from fear of telling him and George from fear of what he may hear

"Oh George. I'm so sorry. Your parents, they didn't make it. The smoke got to them. The fire brigade managed to get them out before the fire could take them away but it was too late. I'm sorry honey"

It felt like his entire world had come crashing down. Everything he'd ever known was gone, dissapeared into a pile of ash. He began to sob, clinging onto vicky like a life line as she kissed his head and ran her fingers through his hair. Have you ever lost a parent? I hope not. For the feeling is one of the worst pains in the world. The people who raised you, you've known them your entire life. They are your life. Everything you are is because of them. And then one day, they are gone. And you feel on your own, without them, you don't know how to go on. Especially so young. George couldn't be a child anymore. He had to be the adult in the family. He had to help his brother

"I...I tried to get them. I tried" he cries

"Sshh. Its alright sweetie. I know. We all know. You were so brave. There's nothing you could have done" she says although it provided little comfort. They stayed like that for half an hour before vicky was sat up on the bed next to George, with his head in her lap

"Henry is at my house. You can both stay with us. I know it won't be the same, but it'll put a roof over your head and a family by your side"

"Thank you. Your father has surprised me. I always assumed he'd be this horrible protective man" he says

"Oh he is. But he also loves me. And that means loving you to because you make me happy George. We're in this together. No matter what happens in the future, we have eachother" they linked their pinkies together and kissed softly

"How's Henry?" George asks

"Tommy called this morning. Henry couldn't sleep last night. Said it felt too odd to be in a house without them. But Tommy kept him occupied with football and reading so he's been sleeping most the day today. I think seeing you will make him realise he isn't alone. Give him something familiar" vicky replies

"God. I'm an adult. I can deal with this but he's just a kid. He needs parents"

"Hey hey. You're fine. Everything will be fine. Look, he needs guardians. People to love and guide him. But that doesnt always mean parents. Look at my family. Polly raised them and loved them, and they love her more than anything in the world. Your parents were the most lovely people I ever met. I envied you for having such a nice normal family. But they wouldn't want him to be alone. They'd want him to he surrounded by love. Both of you. And that's whats gonna happen. I love you"

"I love you too"

Later that day, he was discharged from hospital. Tommy picked them up and after a quick greeting, it became silent. No one spoke for the rest of the journey home. It was just vicky and George holding hands in the back of the car as George looked out the window, knowing that he'd cry if he looked at vicky or Tommy.

Once they got to Tommy's house, George ran out the car as he saw Henry running towards them. Engulfing one another in their arms, Henry began to cry

"It's ok mate. I'm here. Just got eachother now. We'll be alright" seeing his brother had put everything into perspective. It made everything real. Now, they just had to try and make things work. No matter how difficult