I Can’t Stop Replaying the House Fire I Witnessed

Early morning yesterday, while riding my bike home from work, I came across a house on fire. I called 911, yelled for the people inside to get out, and stayed there until emergency responders arrived. Before they arrived I couldn't help but think. I may have to go in there. Thankfully, everyone made it out alive.

Since then, I have been having a really hard time getting it out of my head. I keep seeing the fire, the fear, and the emotions on everyone’s faces.

The homeowner looked around my dad’s age. His heart monitor was going off, he was overwhelmed, and I had to remind him several times to slow down and control his breathing. Seeing him like that affected me in a way I do not fully know how to explain.

I am grateful everyone survived, and I am grateful I was there to call 911 and help. But knowing that does not make the images disappear. I keep replaying everything, including things I saw and reactions I still do not completely understand.

I am trying to process it, but the truth is that it has been very hard. I think I needed somewhere safe to talk about what happened instead of continuing to carry it alone.