Mustard on Top Read Free

were gone, but charcoal-gray smoke puffed through two windows stretching upward in a great plume. The roof, covered in water, glistened in the red-and-white spiraling lights. Her neighbors still stood in their yards watching and Ben’s car was still parked in front of her house. She spotted his silhouette three-houses down and was grateful he was keeping his distance.
    The next few hours passed with controlled chaos. The fire had started on her stove destroying her kitchen. The rest of the house fared better with just smoke and water damage, but most of her important things—Theo’s baby pictures, his art projects, and Hot Diggitys business documents—were safe in the basement.
    Though not a mortal strike, her home, with the gaping hole in the roof, was deemed unsafe by the Chief.
    The firefighters secured a tarp over the hole in the roof and vacuumed the excess water while Chief Heller explained the house was uninhabitable until the roof, electrical, and whatever other code violations the city inspector found were repaired. She and Theo would be required to live elsewhere.
    He advised Helen to contact her insurance carrier then gave her a pile of brochures for various services: shelters, clothing, food, and contractors. Finally, she and Theo were escorted back inside to pack some belongings.
    The house, though familiar, felt foreign. Discolored, the living room stunk of burnt plastic and wood. Although the firefighter tried to dissuade her from going into the kitchen, Helen had insisted.
    Charred cabinet chunks protruded, and crippled appliances jutted out. The kitchen was a dark shell. The dank, heavy air made Helen sick to her stomach.
    After gathering clothes and toiletries, she met Theo at the front door. They came out as one firefighter was running tape around the periphery while another posted ‘Hazard’ signs.
    “Mom, did you remember your insulin?” Theo asked.
    She’d forgotten. Typical. Turning to the fireman who’d escorted her in, she said, “I need to get my medicine.”
    He led her back. After grabbing a handful of syringes, she went to the refrigerator. The handle, having melted in the fire, was shrunken and deformed. Angry with herself for making Theo worry, Helen yanked the door open.
    The lining stretched like a piece of gum before snapping. The firefighter shined his flashlight inside. Leftover lasagna flowed from a melted container, and a cracked ketchup bottle dripped. The milk carton had burst and white, red, and brown liquids pooled on the bottom shelf.
    Helen reached for her insulin and dropped it when the metal lid burned her fingers. “That’s hot!” She shook her hand.
    “Are you okay?”
    “Fine,” Helen growled. She grabbed a dishtowel off the floor, wrapped her hand and snatched the bottle. The month’s supply was likely ruined, but who knew? Insulin had proven hearty in the past. She made a mental note to get it replaced, dreading the request since insurance probably wouldn’t cover it without a fight.
    This time when she exited, the firemen were waiting to install a lock on the front door. Only one fire truck remained along with a few scattered neighbors.
    “Do you need a ride somewhere?” Chief Heller asked.
    “My car’s right there.” Helen pointed, noticing that Ben had left. “We’ll be fine.”
    With her suitcase on the ground, Helen stood next to Theo and watched the firefighters board their truck. When they drove away, Helen turned and faced the house.
    “Poor old house,” Helen said. Years of rain and summer heat had made the siding warp. To the left of the door, one of the gutters dipped below the roofline. Their house had always been at the bottom of her list of priorities. Between Theo’s tutoring classes, and running Hot Diggitys, the gourmet hot dog stand she owned, she never had enough time or money.
    Yet, it had been a solid home; and she and Theo were happy there.
    “You okay, Mom?” Theo asked.
    Helen gave him a smile. He had no idea the fire