We tried to light a fire in our wood stove to prepare for losing power during the incoming winter storm.
We followed the instructions and read the precautions in the manual the previous owners left on the shelf by the basement stairs.
The kindling lit with ease but when HJ closed the door, smoke snaked down the front of the stove like an eerie, gauzy waterfall.
I froze while HJ grabbed the fire extinguisher, ready to fight a fire that never even started.
I searched Google for wood stove troubleshooting tips.
But the smoke stopped flowing without any intervention from us.
Now the house smells like smoke.
The windows are open, allowing the winter air access to every corner of our home and I’m wearing extra layers while cuddled under the guest room bed covers.
And so, we tried to start a fire
To heat our little house
But instead we created a smoky waterfall
And the house is colder than before.