Smoke Damage

by Tom Conally

The match flared into flame with a bright orange yellow glow. It wasn't the first match I ever struck, but it was the one that would do the most damage. The materials I had in my hand were dry and very ignitable giving off lots of smoke that made me cough hysterically. I struggled to keep the fire lit and admired the red embers that were turning to ash. My mother smelled the smoke and came running: "Have you been smoking, son?" I was only 6 years old.

6S

Tom Conally has a picture gallery.