Wednesday has come around again, and I’m happy to present this week’s flash fiction.
Celestina smiled gratefully as the man lifted the squalling child from her. Doubling over, she heaved racking coughs, trying to empty her lungs of smoke just as the building belched it as well.
The child’s mother, reunited, sobbed her relief before Celestina caught her breath. Holland stood beside her, clasping her shoulder. “You okay, Celestina?”
She raised her hand to gesture she’d live. Straightening, Celestina nodded. “Yes.” She coughed in spite of the simple word. “I’ll be fine.”
Shaking his head, Holland grinned bemusedly. “You are truly one of the best.” Holland froze, his gaze shifting from her to the building. Twisting, Celestina peered at the building herself.
Zyrabelle emerged from within. She held two children in her arms and a cat perched nervously on her shoulder.
“Heavens.” Holland said. “I thought everyone was out.” He rushed from Celestina to join Zyrabelle and those who relieved her of her burdens.
The crowd parted, perfectly timed for Celestina to see Zyrabelle sling her hair silkily over her shoulder. Celestina snorted. Zyrabelle didn’t show a single smoke smudge or sweat.
“You are truly angelic,” Holland said loudly, embracing Zyrabelle in an engulfing hug.
Celestina bit her tongue against a harrumph. Being bitter at the purported savor of children wouldn’t do. Of course the mortal called her an angel. Couldn’t he see that she, a true angel, stood among them.
Zyrabelle glanced pointedly at Celestina and smirked. Wiping sweaty strands from her face, Celestina sniffed and turned away. They’d see the demon eventually.
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