Fire Fire

I raced to the gas station to fulfill my mission. I can’t waste any time, he might leave before I even get the chance. I pushed opened the glass door and headed to the back of the store to get a gas can. I tried to look unsuspicious but I felt all of the eyes in the store following me. I could feel the stares on my back as they climb my spine and into my neck.

I was tense. I massaged my neck and tried not to think about my surroundings. I was here for one reason and one reason only. I found the gas can and marched to the front of the store and placed it on the counter. I picked up a lighter next to the cash register and placed it on the counter.

“Also can I have thirty dollars’ worth of gas on…” I paused as I looked outside the store to see what gas pump was available. “…on pump number seven?” I said as innocently as I could. I handed the man the money for all of my goods. He took it with caution and gave me a suspecting face. “Isn’t it a little late for you to be out?” the man said. “Yes but I really have to run some errands for my mom. She’s sick and I just needed to stop for gas.” I explained. “But there isn’t a car out on pump seven.” the man said. I froze. I didn’t know to say.

“Uh well I need the gas for the gas tank we have at home. We need it to fuel the heat in our home.” I said nervously. “Okay. You take care.” “Thank you.” I rushed out the store looking at the ground. I can’t believe I got away with that one. I rushed to pump seven and filled up the gas tank and wiped a few drops of sweat from my forehead. I need to really hurry if I am going to catch him in time.

I ran down the streets as cars flew by me. I turned corners, cut through yards until I finally saw Seogang bridge. I’m almost there, just a few more blocks. My heart pounded intensely. I felt like I was going to explode. I wanted to give up but I reminded myself of my mission. Ari, I have to stay focused. Only a little bit more and all of your suffering will be over. I filled my head with similar thoughts as I trudged through the night.

As I approached the parking garage, I tried to spot his vehicle. I ran through the garage with haste. No, no…no. No, no, no, no, no. Ugh. I lost hope. Sweat dripped down my back as I stood up straight with my hands at my hips and my head tilted upward as I tried to catch my breath.

I’m probably too late already. I stopped staring at the ceiling and noticed a white Lamborghini Aventador parked to the right. Bingo. I noticed moving inside the vehicle. Great. I’m not too late. I went over to the expensive luxury car and opened the gas can.

I frantically poured all of it on the car. Finally. Finally. No more suffering. No more. No more! I danced around the car as a poured every inch of gasoline and pulled out my lighter.

“Kwon Jiyong! You will pay for what you have done to me!” I screamed. I heard a voice but it was faded. I was entranced by my glee. It felt like euphoria. I set the car on fire and watched the orange and red flames roar with rhythm. Then the voice added a vocal to the beautiful song. I danced and twirled in circles. I was thrown in a tizzy from all of the excitement. I stopped twirling because my head was spinning and I was off balanced.

I smiled and gazed through the window of the car to see his face. Once I saw his face, his charred face, I knew what I have done was a mistake. That wasn’t Kwon Jiyong in the car.

Notes