Paradise on Fire

Addy, Jay, DeShon, and Nessa are on the ledge, but Addy struggles to find the unmarked path that will lead them down. Addy gets out her compass and uses it. While DeShon and Nessa seem nervous, Jay says, “You got this, Addy” (154). When trees begin exploding above them, they have to go. Nessa and DeShon don’t have shoes. Jay gives one hiking shoe to DeShon, and Addy gives one to Nessa. They then craft shoes from book covers, gauze, and tape to cover their remaining feet.

Nessa begins to hyperventilate as the fire gets closer. DeShon and Jay comfort her, but Addy struggles to because she knows that sometimes bad things do happen. Addy hugs Nessa and tells her that they will get pizza after this is over and that in the meantime, they have to survive.

Addy leads them down the hill using the compass until daybreak, but everyone is exhausted. Addy falls, hurting her chin and losing the compass. The group rests, holding onto each other so that they do not fall down the steep hill.

Addy has a nightmare and wakes screaming “Adaugo.” DeShon asks who that is, and she tells them that it’s her name, which she has not told them because it makes her feel different.