Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 12 | Page 349

"Don't you think that Alexandra is annoying? She's adopted! She's not even your true daughter!" Axel
demanded, once they were out of earshot.
"How could you say such a thing?" Mother frowned. "Although she is adopted, she should be considered as
your sister, and I do treat you two equally."
Axel scowled and trudged back towards the living room.
It was silent in the house, until mother gasped. "Oh, no!" she wailed.
"What is it, mother?" both children yelled together. Axel sat up, and Alexandra ran to the kitchen.
"I've spilled all the white sugar, so I'd have to buy some. Will you come with me, Alexandra, while Axel
handles the cooking?" Mother asked.
"Remember to extinguish the fire after you finish cooking!" she hissed to Axel, before leaving.
"Of course I know!" Axel snarled back.
When they got to their house, Mother screamed. A fire had started in the kitchen. Spectators had gathered around
it, trying to put out the flames.
"How did this happen-Axel!" Alexandra panicked, putting two by two together. Alexandra raced to the
door, and concern for Axel was all that was in her mind. "AXEL!" she yelled frantically, ignoring the surprised
gasps of the people.
Without thinking, she raced inside.
Inside, it was unbearably hot. Alexandra remembered what her teacher said to do in a fire emergency: keep calm,
and try not to breathe in the smoke. Luckily, the flames seemed to come from the kitchen, making it easier to find
Axel without being burnt badly. A flame jumped out of nowhere, nearly hurting the girl.
"Gah!" Alexandra yelled, pressing her body to the wall and edging towards the kitchen slowly, avoiding the
flames. She peeked in, and gasped. Axel was hunched on the floor, flames surrounding him. No wonder he
couldn't escape!
Alexandra knocked on the wall, trying to draw his attention.
"Axel!" Alexandra hissed, then regretted it. The smoke burned down her lungs, but it worked. Axel