No One Left Behind

Night. A building is on fire. Smoke everywhere. A firefighter runs

inside. Flames reflect on his helmet. A voice says: “Everyone made it

out.” The firefighter stops. He hears a sound. In the corner,

a frightened dog, shaking. “But someone was still waiting.” The firefighter

picks up the dog. The flames grow stronger. A wall collapses behind them.

Final run toward the exit. Outside. The dog licks the firefighter’s face.

Silence. “Real heroes don’t choose who to save.”