**Chapter 13: Coping with the Fire**

As we stood there, trying to make sense of the chaos, I felt a sense of gratitude wash over me. We were all safe, and that was all that mattered. My family and cousins were together, and we would get through this, as long as we had each other. The scene was chaotic, with people running, shouting, and crying in all directions. But we finally started to calm down, and my cousins and I started to talk about what had happened. We shared stories and tried to comfort each other, trying to make sense of the fire and its aftermath. Jamar shook his head, his eyes wide with worry. "I'm just glad we got out of there in time," he said. "I was so scared when I saw the fire spreading." Miss Jamia nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning our faces for any signs of distress. My niece Kataya and nephew KJ were still clinging to Beyoncé Ariana's legs, their eyes big with uncertainty. Keontay and Darnell were trying to comfort Kyah, who was visibly shaken. I could see the fear and worry etched on their faces, and I knew we all needed to focus on being together and supporting each other. As we talked, I noticed that my cousin's little sister, who I assumed was Jamia's sibling, was still sleeping on the floor. Jamar tried to wake her up, but she just rolled over and continued sleeping. "Let me try," Miss Jamia said, kneeling down beside her sister. She gently shook her awake, and the little girl slowly opened her eyes. The little girl rubbed her eyes, still looking groggy. "I was so tired," she mumbled. Jamar smiled and hugged her. "We're glad you're okay, cuz." Miss Jamia smiled weakly. "We're just glad you're okay." As we stood there, trying to make sense of the chaos, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. We had made it through the worst of it, and now it was time to focus on the present. We would deal with the aftermath of the fire later; for now, we just needed to be together. But as I looked around at my family and cousins, I couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty. What would happen next? Would the school be able to reopen? Would we have to find a new place to stay? The questions swirled in my mind, but I knew we would face them together. The sound of sirens was getting closer and closer, and I could see the fire trucks pulling up to the scene. The firefighters were jumping out, rushing to put out the remaining flames. It was a relief to see them taking control of the situation. As the commotion died down, and the firefighters started to gain control of the situation, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. We had made it through the worst of it, and now it was time to focus on the present. My eyelids started to droop, and I felt my head nodding forward. The world around me started to blur, and I felt myself being pulled into a dream. I was vaguely aware of my cousins and siblings talking and laughing, but it was all distant, like I was underwater. I tried to fight it, but my body felt heavy, and my breathing slowed. I was falling asleep, and I couldn't do anything to stop it. As my eyes closed, I felt a sense of drifting away, like I was floating on a cloud. I was safe, and that was all that mattered. My family and cousins were with me, and we would face whatever came next together. And with that thought, I slipped into a deep sleep.