Vanessa typed furiously, relaying every detail to the nearest ambulance and fire unit.
“Location, Lily? Can you tell me where you are?”
“Our house… it’s on Riverbend Road. The yellow one with the red mailbox.”
“You’re doing so great. I’ve sent help—they’re already on the way. Can you go check if your dad and Mr. Parker are breathing? But don’t try to move them, okay?”
A pause. Footsteps. A rustle. Then Lily’s choked reply:
“Daddy’s chest… it moves a little. Mr. Parker too. But there’s blood on Daddy’s forehead. So much bl00d.”
Vanessa swallowed the lump in her throat. She kept her voice steady.
“Okay. Stay with them. Hold Daddy’s hand. Tell him you love him. The paramedics are almost there.”
The line stayed open. Vanessa could hear Lily whispering between sobs:
“Daddy, wake up. You promised we’d finish the treehouse. Please don’t sleep now.”
