Claudia Ross was coughing so hard she felt as if her insides might shift, her eyes stinging painfully from the smoke as she hurriedly shut the window.
Although she only peeked out for a moment, she had seen the general situation.
The fire hadn't spread to the outer wall yet; if they wanted to escape now, they'd have to climb out through the window.
But without a rope, they were on the second floor, and jumping down like this would certainly result in injuries.
Esmee Perry's hand was injured, and little An was still asleep. Getting the two children out was a challenge.
What to do? What to do?
Claudia Ross was anxiously pacing back and forth.
Time wasn't on their side. She had to think of a way quickly, or once the fire reached the outer wall, they wouldn't be able to get out even if they wanted to.
Claudia Ross saw a wet blanket on the floor and decided to use it as a rope, letting the two children climb down it.
