A Monette couple is hopeful for the future after a fire engulfed and destroyed their home last week.

Twenty-one-year-old Esther Perez said she first noticed smoke coming from a tree at the rear of the property and immediately called 911 before investigating further. As the fire quickly spread, she began evacuating her pets. Moments later, the flames reached the house, shattering windows and consuming much of the structure.

The fire soon extended to the shop, yard, and back of the home.

By the time Perez’s partner, 20-year-old Gabby Green, arrived at the scene, the damage was overwhelming. “There’s nothing left of it, you know,” Green said. “After leaving for work and then coming home and having nothing.”

The residence, which Perez and Green had shared as their first home for the past year, is now a charred shell, with parts of it at risk of collapsing. While they focus on recovery, both noted that the loss extends beyond material possessions, citing irreplaceable memories as the most painful aspect.

“That’s something that ... that can’t be replaced with any money in the world,” Green said.

However, the couple has found solace in the support of their community. Coworkers of Perez have placed a donation cup at Jordan’s Grocery just off the bypass to assist with expenses. They said others in the community have also shared encouragement and empathy.

“We’ve heard stories from other people saying, ‘Oh, you know, this happened to me,’” Green said. “And, you know, I’m here for you and I understand how it feels. It’s almost like a weight on our shoulder has been lifted just hearing that, you know, we’re not the only ones who have experienced this.”

Despite the challenges ahead, Perez is optimistic about the future. She said they hope to have a new home within a year, buoyed by the generosity and help of their community. “At the beginning, we were like, ‘Okay, it’s over,’” Perez said. “But I will say that I did wake up today a little bit more optimistic with the support that I have and the community that I have.”

Anyone wishing to offer assistance can find donation information on Perez’s Facebook page.