Chapter 18 - Out of the Ashes
They scrambled up the stone steps as the ceiling behind them gave way in a cloud of dust and fire.
They burst out into the cool night air just as the main roof of the chapel caved in with a deafening roar.
Massive fireballs shot into the stormy night sky, illuminating the entire courtyard in bright orange.
Fire trucks and state police cruisers were now parked all over the lawn, their red lights flashing.
Medical personnel rushed forward with stretchers and blankets the moment they saw the survivors.
Eleanor's mother broke through the police line, screaming with raw joy as she saw her husband.
"Arthur!" she cried out, falling to her knees beside him as paramedics wrapped him in a warm blanket.
Arthur reached out his frail, trembling hand, touching his wife’s face for the first time in ten long years.
"I knew you'd come back for me, Mary," Arthur whispered, tears streaming through the soot on his cheeks.
Little Lily ran over to Eleanor, wrapping her small arms tightly around Eleanor's waist.
"You made it out, Miss Eleanor!" Lily cheered softly.
Eleanor knelt down, hugging the brave young girl with all the strength she had left.
"We all made it out because of you, Lily," Eleanor said, kissing the girl's forehead.
May you like
Jax stood near the back of the ambulance, leaning against the side while a paramedic bandaged his bloody knuckles.
Eleanor walked over to him, the torn, muddy wedding dress trailing behind her in the wet grass.
