Fax riffled through the fireworks, searching for a Red Tiger's Eye. Uncle Paul's description of them was still clear in his mind. "They're plain things with naught but a scarlet eye staring from the casing to mark them, but their beautiful display makes you wonder how such a tiny 'cracker could pack such a punch."

"Aha! Here you are!" Fax lifted the firecracker almost tenderly from the tangle of sparklers and Roman Candles. "Now to see what you can do." He dashed off for the firing range. The four concrete walls that surrounded the range were blackened from their long service. His family was setting theirs off a good distance away from every one else. He headed over to them and lit the fuse on his Tiger's Eye. Just before he was ready, it exploded. He whited out.

Odd, I've never been unconscious before. That is if I am unconscious. Maybe I am dreaming, but if I was dreaming, wouldn't there be more than just this bright light? Maybe I'm dead. . . well. . . where is everyone? Aren't you supposed to meet your ancestors or something? Hey what's this. . . So bright and hot. . . and beautiful could it be Fire? Ohhhhh!!!!!! Fire!!!! Pretty flame. . . Make more of you? Sure I will. Fires are nice. So pretty. So warm.

"Fax, Fax." The worried voice of his mother brought him out of his reflections. "Francis Abraham Singi!"

"Not now, Mom, I'll go to school latter, just ten more minuets?" He mumbled.

He could hear his brothers snicker in the background. That made him open his eyes just to catch whichever one it was. He saw was his mother and father hovering over him along with his Uncle and a few of the other people who worked at the Fireworks Warehouse.

"He should be fine, Sir," He could hear the technician say to his father, "It was a dud firecracker, probably shook him up a bit. I would recommend taking him back to your hotel to rest, so much excitement is not good for a kid his age."

Oh hi again, what's that? I haven't had the time. I only just woke up a little while ago. What am I supposed to do. . . I couldn't do that, she's my mom. . . you never had one? I know fire is asexual but what about the flame you come from. I don't understand what you are saying. . . . ahhh so what you mean is that flame does not come from a source, it is all the same fire. . . . yes I know, I was just trying to simplify it. . . I will. . . just as soon as I get a chance.

Fax woke up again in the uncomfortable hotel bed, still slightly groggy. The room was empty, and there was no sound coming from the two other rooms adjoining. . . . where is every one? Raking his hand through his hair he got up and began to look around. A book of matches rested in an ashtray by his bed. He picked them up and headed to the other rooms. His mother had left a note on her bed. "Sorry but we decided to go back and watch the fireworks. Hope you feel better soon! -Mom" Just like them to leave him alone in the hotel.

He sat down on the bed and struck a match.

Oh it's you, you brought more to play? To dance? Really? You are good dancers. Here have some food. More? Okay how's this? Your Welcome, anything for a friend. What? Go outside? Sure we can play more games out there, I'll find you and your buddies some good food. What do you like? Aha. . . dried wood you say? Lets see what we can find. Will paper do? . . . . for now.

Ow. . . what was that for? I'm feeding you. Here you go have some more timber. . .

"Not much of the building was left when the firemen arrived. All they found was this boy muttering to himself in the ashes. The police think he may have been the one to set the blaze. The owner of the hotel told us his family was in the building at the time. No one has stepped forward and claimed responsibility for him." The detective rose from the desk. "If you would like to see him he is down this way."

The doctor shook her head. "I don't know what we can do for him. No family left, no home. Nothing, not even himself." She peered into the frigid white room. The lone figure of a boy huddled on the floor, muttering to himself.

Cold so cold. . . where are you? WHERE ARE YOU?!? Fire?

~FIRE!

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