It was just another afternoon. Andrew was in the office. Elyse was in school attending Robotics. Erwyn and I were at the dining table; I was coaching him on his homework. My mom was with us the past few days. As usual, she practically forbid me from doing any household chores and cooking. So, I don't step into the kitchen whenever she is around.
Lunch was over but mom was still busy in the kitchen. I didn't care much as she loves cooking; probably she is preparing snacks or dinner. Not until I smelled something amiss. I didn't want to make a fuss or interfere at what mom is doing, so I remained at the dining room. The smell grew stronger. And stronger. Finally I left Erwyn and went into the kitchen. Seeing that my mom was keeping the laundry, I opened the lid and wondered what was she boiling. Noticed the water level was very low, I turned off the fire.
"Ma, what are you cooking?" I asked. "Close the lid, close the lid!" she yelled back at me. "I am cooking oil." Although there are hundred of questions marks in my head, I obediently switched on the fire to low and closed the lid back. I convinced myself that mom knows what is she doing, just let her be; I went back to Erwyn and continue on with our study.
Minutes later, I smelled the burning smell again. Even Erwyn also asked me what is grandma cooking. Since I have interfered the first time, I didn't want to barge in again. I waited and waited. By now, the whole house is full of burning smell. I wonder did our neighbor smell it or not.
Finally, I went back to the kitchen with no signs of mom. So, I opened the lid again to check. I was expecting to see a black pot. Smoke maybe. But to my horror, there's an open flame! I turned off the stove and reached out for a bigger pan lid and close the pot, hoping that this may cut off the oxygen supply. But the fire continued to burn inside the pot. At the same time, I called for Erwyn to give Daddy a ring so that he may be home to assist. My dear Erwyn took the phone to me instead. I guess he was panicked and didn't know how to make calls at such a moment. Dialing Andrew and thank God, he picked up the phone swiftly. He might have rushed back but to me it took him forever to be home.
The pastor of the church may have never thought of his wife would be capable of burning down the church. It would be a big news! After all, we only moved here 4 months ago. Andrew seemed lost at what to do initially. Finally, he recalled there's a fire extinguisher outside at the lift and made use of it.
Thank God that the fire is put off and no one was hurt in this accident. Looking back, this is our very first encounter with a real fire senario. I am grateful to God that recently I saw a clip on why we shouldn't pour water onto a grease fire. If not, more harm could be done.
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