The case tumbled from sleep-fumbled fingers. It found the doorframe with a smash, spreading its contents through two rooms. Flashes of colour and memory flying through the air, each one taking you to a different time in your past.

Your favourite school projects from over the years, given to Mum and Dad with a beaming smile. Kept safe for you, to show how much they love you.

Mementos of your first loves, both puppy and physical. Both remembered with dreamy eyes.

Memories caught up in funny stones, dries leaves, shells and worn down pencils. Things that still seem amazing.

The sight of them brings it all back, all at once, and your head spins, swims and smiles.

You stop, and breathe, and swear.

You grab the case and look at it. Not only is the lock broken, but a hinge as well. You suddenly realise how long you have had it. Shaking the thought you crouch down and start to gather your memories, but don’t know where to start. What is most important? What will you miss more?

The fire is so hot. You know you need to go now, but your plan to save all that is special to you is strewn across the floor. You’d cry but you haven’t the time.

Then you see it. The strongest memory. You reach down and grab it and flee out the door.

Outside, you watch your life burn, but hold your special memory in your hand.