She wanted one peaceful night alone—until the alarm, the smoke, and the shove changed everything.
Prompt
The fire alarm shattered Julia’s quiet Friday night like a glass dropped on concrete.
Julia had declared the evening officially over for romance. Pajamas on. Book open. A box of dark chocolates within reach. One glass of wine—poured generously. Dating apps had drained her patience and bruised her optimism. Tonight was about silence and self-respect.
She had just bitten into a dark chocolate truffle when the building fire alarm screamed. The sound jolted her upright. Smoke—real smoke—crept beneath her door. Heart pounding, she wedged the truffle between her teeth, grabbed her phone, jacket, and purse, and rushed into the hallway. The smell intensified. Neighbors shouted. Someone cried.
Three flights of stairs stood between her and safety. She moved fast, gripping the rail, adrenaline burning through her chest. On the final flight, a sudden shove sent her airborne. Her phone and purse flew one way. She flew another—straight into strong arms.
A fireman caught her effortlessly. Calm. Steady. Smiling.
Outside, wrapped in a blanket, sirens flashing red against the night, Julia stared at him, breathless. Chocolate still melting in her mouth, she thought, My Christmas angel.
And just like that, her quiet night ended—and something unexpected began.
Writer’s Question
If you continued this story, would Julia follow destiny—or run from it? Why?