Perspiring profusely, the single mother squatted in long-sleeved overalls to lift the portable firefighting pump and hose. “Get those buckets!” Amelia instructed as the fire front drew ever closer.
Her son retrieved two large buckets of water and raced ahead to their back door. Amelia followed with pump and hose, embers flying past her body.
“Wait!” Jack cried, his hand clenching the doorknob. “We forgot Lamby, Mum!”
“It’s too late now,” Amelia replied solemnly.