What We Did to Survive

I reach the stairs before Jackson does and throw my arm over my nose and mouth to block the smoke pouring from the hatch. It smells like burning paint and plastic. Emmy comes to a screeching halt beside me. All the color has leached from her face.

Jackson bodychecks his sister out of the way. “Emmy, stay away from the smoke. We’ll get Ben. Stay here and help him when he comes up.”

I have no idea what she thinks of this plan; I’m already jumping the last two stairs and splashing into the water. Jackson’s right on my heels. With my first breath, I’m coughing. I crouch down to get below the smoke in order to see my way forward.

The kitchen isn’t the source. It’s coming from a crack in the bathroom door. Black smoke streams out of the opening, and Ben’s screams fill the cabin.