Growing up without a father hadn't been easy for Zach. It meant he was often alone since his mom had to work several jobs to support him. He had to learn to care for himself. He had many friends so that he would have someone to spend time with but he wasn't close to them. He couldn't be. He couldn't risk them finding out that his mom was rarely home. His whole life changed on night when his mom came home with an older man. 
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They had been on their way home from the fireworks. William had always loved that his birthday was a holiday. The fireworks were the perfect ending to his day. It was like the while city was celebrated him. He knew the fireworks had nothing to do with him but it was fun to pretend. His parents were talking about the vacation. A drunk driver ran a red light hitting their car hard. The car flew in the air like they did in the movies. William remembered his parents turning towards him. He saw the fear in their eyes. The car spun in the air. He screamed in fear. The car hit the ground and flames appeared in the front window.

"It's alright baby. Undo your seat belt." William nodded. He saw them reach to undo theirs. He reached for his. It took his trembling hands over a minute to undo the seat belt. Much longer than the seconds it usually took him. But eventually he was able to get the belt to release him. "Try to open the door baby." His mother said. She was still struggling with her seatbelt.

He tried the door but it wouldn't open. The fire had grown and now it surrounded them. He remembered screaming and begging his parents to do something. They were trapped. Neither of them able to undo their belts. Eventually help arrived. Fire fighters used the jaws of life to get him out. Unfortunately it had been too late for his parents by the time they had reached them. He didn't remember the ride to the hospital.