The Promise

Word count 298

’So, you think it’s a good idea that we don’t stay and fight to save the house?’

‘Yes, definitely. If the bushfire gets closer and we get an order to evacuate, we leave. It’s not worth the risk, is it?’ Sarah pleaded with her husband. ‘We can replace a house but not lives.’

‘I’d hate to lose this house though. It’s been in my family for ever.’

‘I know, but you promise? You’ll stick to the plan?’ Sarah gave Paul a hug. ‘All this smoke is making Alfie’s asthma worse, I think I’ll take the kids and go visit my mother until it clears.’

‘Okay, love. When you’ve gone I’ll check the generator in case there’s a power outage. But hopefully now the wind’s changed direction, the fire’s heading away from town. Thank God!’

‘I’ll call you.’ Sarah gave him a kiss. ‘Come on kids, let’s go and visit Grandma.’

‘See you, later, Daddy.’ Six year old Alfie called.

The fire is heading for Konjurup’s townsite, you need to leave now while the way is clear. Drive in a westerly direction to avoid road closures.

The repeated fire warning, coming from the radio on the kitchen bench, played to an empty house. Paul, was in the garage checking the generator had enough fuel and unaware the wind had changed direction once again. The fire was heading directly towards town.

When at last he saw the flames closing in on his property he grabbed a hose and attempted to save his house.

The fire, carried on the easterly winds, engulfed shops, houses and anything in its path, until all that was left was a smouldering ruin.


Silent, Sarah stood where once her house had been. ‘He promised, but he didn’t stick to the plan, she cried, over and over.

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