Safe escape

The moment the lighter hit the ground, the gasoline ignited with a deafening roar. Orange and blue flames raced across the floor, devouring everything in their path. Heat exploded outward, searing the skin and blinding the eyes.

The man staggered backward, cursing as the fire spread rapidly, licking up the walls and curling toward the ceiling.

Thomas, alarmed, pushed his weight backward, rocking the chair on its hind legs in a frantic attempt to escape the encroaching fire. With a loud crack, the chair toppled over, and Thomas crashed to the hard concrete floor. His head slammed against the ground, sending stars exploding across his vision.

"Ugh!" he grunted in pain. But there was no time. Ignoring the throbbing ache, he twisted onto his side and began inching toward the door, scraping his body along the floor.

Lydia's scream pierced through the crackling inferno.