"How did we get here?" Oliver muttered slowly as tears fell from his eyes. He scanned his surroundings, his eyes darting from one place to another, only to be met with billowing smoke and the slow burn of the fire.
He crawled through pain and desperation. He was badly injured, but he didn't care. All he wanted was to save his family, despite the crushing realization that it was too late, their lifeless bodies sprawled on the floor.
His eyes flickered with tears. He could feel his life slowly disappearing. He gave a sad smile as memories of how it all began flashed before his eyes.
...
SIX MONTHS AGO
Oliver Miller walked through the hills of his town. He didn't know how to break it to his family. He had lost his major and steady source of income, and he had no passion for his job as it was only a means to help his family.
Oliver worked as a baker—the best in the town. It wasn't easy for him to get this job, which was why he had to put up with so much bad behavior from the manager. But today, he completely lost it. I guess that is what happens when you spend so much time piling up anger, and then it just explodes. Then your life is over.
"My life is over," Oliver moaned in sorrow.
He sat under a tree, watching his house from a distance as he sighed, very exhausted. He was already close to his house, but he didn't know how to summon the courage to go home.
He felt a hand furiously grab his ear, and he wailed in pain, turning around to meet the last person he wanted to see right now.
"Dad... Dad, it hurts," Oliver cried.
"You think hiding out here is going to solve the problem? Or did you think I wouldn't find out that you lost your job?" His father, with a furious expression, forcefully let go of his son's ears and shook his head in disappointment and shame.
"Dad, it wasn't my fault. The manager was talking badly about our family. I couldn't just let it slide," Oliver defended himself, his voice filled with frustration.
When his father heard those words, he shook his head in sadness, although it wasn't a new thing.
The people in this village always made jests and mockery of anyone from their family. The Millers were the poorest in the town, and because they were poor, they were often treated like trash.
"Oliver, I've warned you countless times that just because we are poor doesn't mean we are mannerless. How many times do I have to explain that simple phrase to you?" His father gritted his teeth, delivering a swift knock on his head.
"It wasn't my fault. I didn't even do anything," Oliver said, crossing his arms as he pretended to be offended.
"You beat the manager to a pulp, and you call it nothing? Finding work for you in this town will be nearly impossible," his father barked.
"Dad, I promise I won't mess up again, I swear," Oliver pleaded.
His father stared at his son, and he heaved a deep sigh. He was still young and reckless and didn't understand his place in this harsh reality.
Things weren't always like this for the Miller family. Everything started when Oliver's father went bankrupt, so they had to move to this town to start a new life. Both of his children, Oliver and Mia, had to quit school because there was no money to further their education.
"Come on, let's go home. I'm sure your mother will be worried about you," Oliver's father said, grabbing his shoulders and pulling Oliver to himself.
"Does this mean I'm forgiven for losing my job?" Oliver said, his eyes lit up with hope.
His hope was dashed when his father slapped the back of his head. He nearly lost his balance and fell.
"Until you find another job to replace the one you lost, I won't forgive you." His father let out a scoff and began striding down the path that led to their house.
"Dad! Dad!! How am I going to find another job?" Oliver's voice was filled with confusion as he gave his head a little scratch.
They finally got to their house. Oliver's mother was in the kitchen preparing dinner. Oliver was about to sneak into his room when his mom called on him, and he stopped in his tracks.
"Where have you been? You were supposed to be home half an hour ago," Oliver's mom scolded him, a frown on her face and her hands on her hips.
Oliver blinked his eyes as he tried to avert his mother's gaze. He couldn't possibly tell her he was fired, or she would lose it.
"Well, I... I was at the bakery. I had to work late today," Oliver lied.
His mother swung her spatula at him, but he quickly dodged it. His father, who was at his side, laughed at his son's foolishness.
"How dare you lie to your mother? Do you think I won't find out about your misdeed?" His mother fumed in anger. It was like she was about to explode.
Oliver facepalmed and sighed. News spread quickly in this small town. This shabby town.
Oliver bowed his head in shame as his mother left rambling. He did not interrupt his mother even though he wanted to explain himself. The best he could do right now was to wait out her anger.
He wished he could turn back the hands of time and make a different choice—and take the insult as he had done in the past years.
Ever since they moved into this stupid town, his life had been a living nightmare. The townsfolk would always curse and remind him of his poor and wretched background whenever they got the chance. He didn't choose the kind of family he came from, but clearly, they didn't understand.
"Oliver!" a voice exclaimed in excitement.
Oliver smiled. His little sister Mia cheerfully jumped on his body, and he quickly caught her so she wouldn't fall.
"Where have you been? I missed you," Mia said softly.
"Mia, do not interrupt me next time. And when you're done being all lovey-dovey with your brother, come and help me set the table for dinner," Oliver's mother fumed, walking back to the kitchen.
"Thanks for saving my life," Oliver whispered to his sister.
"Your life will be the least of your worries if you don't get another job soon, or else Mom is probably going to dice you and throw you into one of her stews," Mia giggled as she whispered back.
"I'm working on it, although I suspect no one is probably going to hire me since, I guess, the news about my little scandal is flying around town," Oliver rolled his eyes.
"Wow! Did you beat him that hard?" Mia's face twisted in surprise.
"Well, you can say that." Oliver laughed as flashes of the fight came to his mind.
"Well, I'm sure he deserved it. And I've been thinking, maybe I could get a job around town."
"No need to worry about money. I'll find another job. Just focus on getting better. Do you understand me, Mia Miller?" Oliver gently held his sister's face in his hands, offering her a comforting smile.
Throughout the years, all the money they made went towards paying for Mia's medical expenses. But lately, Mia's episodes had become more frequent due to malnutrition, and their parents couldn't afford her medication.
"Are you guys going to stand there all day? Who's going to help me set the table?" Oliver's mom screamed from the kitchen.
As their mother's voice echoed through the house, they hurriedly made their way to the dining table. Mia began arranging the utensils when, suddenly, a plate slipped from her hand. Her vision blurred, and she crashed onto the floor…