Jack woke, gasping for breath. His chest hurt and he coughed deeply, struggling to get oxygen in his lungs.
He looked up weakly, his arm wrapped around his chest as his gaze rested on the blackened remains of the house. He felt his heart stop and he tried to stand, hissing as the burn on his side protested. He pushed himself up and stumbled, hobbling towards the house with wide eyes. "Av..." he tried to call, but his throat was too damaged. He coughed deeply, falling to the ground on his knees as they gave out from under him. He took a deep breath and forced himself to move forward.
She held the reigns tightly, her eyes set forward as they sped past trees, finding the road that led to their house.
He managed to get past the doorway of the house, the ash crumbling under his hands. He looked around frantically, leaning against the ruined wall. "Avice," he managed, his voice a hoarse whisper. "Where are you? Where's..."
They approached the house, and she pulled Mack to a stop before jumping off, noticing he was up. "Jack!"
He reached for her, his voice hoarse and his grip weak. "What happened to you?" he managed. "Where were you? What happened?"
She would be able to feel his heart pounding in his chest and he took deep breaths. "Don't... don't apologize. What..." He trailed off as a coughing fit took over. "What happened?"
He obviously didn't understand, but he shook his head. "No worry," he said, speaking in shorter sentences. "Okay now... Doctor?"
He nodded slowly. "Thank... you.." The elderly woman slid off her horse before looking up and her gaze rested on Jack. Her silver hair was in a tight bun, but her face had a strange youthful glow to it. "Oh, dear! Jack, sweet boy, is that you?" He glanced up tiredly, his eyes weary. "Miriam."
Avice went to the side, cradling Aubrey. It was obvious she was still nervous, and continued to ignore the burn on her arm.
She frowned, shaking her head. "I thought that was Aubrey, but I didn't make the connection! You must be Elyse, then?"
