Part 3Pure White Tomorrow

My phone buzzed again. This time it was an unknown number, likely the police or the fire department.

I let it ring.

Some parents need to learn the hard way that negligence carries a steep price.

I wasn't going to be the martyr this time. I was going to live for myself.

I finished my coffee and checked the time. It was about forty minutes since the first call.

I opened a smart-home app on my phone, which was connected to the camera over my front door.

A crystal-clear video feed popped up.

A crowd had gathered outside my apartment. Brenda was pacing frantically, surrounded by a few anxious neighbors and several firefighters in heavy gear.

The lieutenant was explaining the situation to Brenda.

"Ma'am, the child is currently caught on the sixth-floor awning. From what we can see from below, the metal frame is stable for now. But because of the building’s layout, the awning sticks out too far. We can't safely reach her from the fifth or seventh floors. Our only option is to cut through the security grates of Apt 602 and pull her in."

"Then break the door down! Hurry!" Brenda shrieked, stomping her foot.

"We can't do that," the lieutenant replied firmly. "This is a private residence. Without the owner's consent or an immediate fire hazard inside, we do not have the legal authority to force entry. We are setting up an inflatable rescue cushion below, but from this height, it's a gamble at best."

"Who cares about the law? A child's life is on the line!" Brenda screamed. "If anything happens to my baby, I will sue all of you!"

"We are doing everything we can to contact the tenant. Please remain calm."

"She's in there! I know she is!" Brenda yelled, her face red. "Nora is a total hermit! She never goes out! She's doing this on purpose! She's ignoring the calls!"

The lieutenant frowned. "Ma'am, let me remind you that as her guardian, it was your responsibility to watch your child. We are trying our best. Do not interfere with our work."

Brenda choked on her words but quickly dialed my number again.

Through the camera, I watched her face twist with venom. I could hear her muffled curses echoing through the hallway.

"That stupid bitch! Is she deaf or dead? Why isn't she picking up?"

"Just wait until Paul is safe. I'll tear her apart! Selfish piece of garbage!"

Her insults were identical to the ones she hurled at me in my past life right before she pushed me.

Only this time, I was sitting in a cozy café, watching her unravel from a safe distance.