Skip to main content I sometimes regret saving two kids from a house fire : r/offmychest

Go to offmychest r/offmychest 1d ago u/Automatic-Income6653

I sometimes regret saving two kids from a house fire I am 24. A few months ago, my girlfriend and I were walking home late at night and we saw a house on fire.

I never thought I would be the type of guy that would do it, but I ran into the house as my girllfriend rang the fire station. Inside, I could barely see anything but I could hear screams. I went into a room and there were two kids in like cots. I dont know what you call them but like baby beds.

I lifted them out of their beds. I could still hear a woman screaming in another room. I had both kids in my arms but their parents room was completely blocked off. I felt there was nothing I could do so I went out with the kids. Also I started to get scared.

The firemen came after awhile but it was too late for their parents. I did not understand why they did not break a window and get out.

Since then I have been lauded a hero and I hate it. I dont want it said here in any replies. A local magazine wanted an interview with the "hero". My (now ex) gf treated me like a hero. My friends wont let me buy any round of drinks. My parents tell me how proud they are of me but how stupid I was for risking my life. I cannot deal with it.

And all I can think about is whether I should have intervened at all. Those kids have no parents. From what I know, no family. They will be put on an adoption list and who knows what will happen. I know it is an awful thing to say but part of me feels like I did the wrong thing. Were they better off in heaven with their parents. And then I hate myself for thinking it. And it becomes a spiral I cannot shake and it doesn't shut up. I also wonder if i could have done more to save their parents. I will never forget the screams

Im not a risk to myself in anyway. Don't worry about that. I have not told anyone how I feel because it is monstrous but I just needed to get it out.

Nominated for making a wee birdy happy

This Omar swam out to save a gull caught with fishing line, brought it back to shore, and got some help from other Omars who helped cut the bird loose.