16. Little Melody

"Are you okay?" Jay asked.

"She's dead," Ruby replied with a small cry. Her leg was sore, but it would be a hassle if her and Jay's focus were split. Putting everything else aside, the baby was toast.

"Everything is chaos now," said Ruby.

"It will be okay."

Jay fumbled with his body and ended up ripping off the white shirt. Ruby reflexively closed her eyes to find Jay naked. Meanwhile, Jay slipped into the bathroom, dipped the fabric of his shirt, and then jumped back into the flames surrounding Noura Betsy's wooden bed.

"Jay, be careful! Don't burn your skin!" shouted Ruby. It was itching to peek at Jay's movements between her fingers. No matter how hot the fire got, Jay indoctrinated himself that he wouldn't feel anything until Noura Betsy was safe and out of the vicious circle.

Jay wrapped Betsy's entire body in his wet clothes. Jay lifted Betsy, cradling the baby against his broad chest. Jay's grip tightened, afraid that the fire might weaken his joints. Indeed, the thought of li