9-1-1 ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ ᴏɴᴇ sʜᴏᴛs

Passing out? - Bobby Nash

Sophie Nash -15

The fire station was bustling with activity as Bobby Nash pulled his SUV into the parking lot. Today, his fifteen-year-old daughter, Sophie, was joining him at the station. She had been dealing with an overwhelming amount of stress from school, and Bobby hoped a day at the station would provide a much-needed distraction.

Sophie was a bright, determined teenager, but the pressure of her exams had been taking a toll on her. She'd always had a tendency toward anxiety, and the recent barrage of tests seemed to have amplified it. Bobby had noticed her becoming increasingly withdrawn and worried, and it tore him apart to see her struggling.

As they walked into the station, Sophie's face lit up at the sight of the familiar faces. Eddie and Buck were playing a quick game of cards at the table, and they immediately waved her over.

"Hey, Sophie!" Buck called, grinning. "Ready to lose at cards?"

Sophie smiled, a little of the weight lifting from her shoulders. "Bring it on," she replied, sitting down with them.

Bobby watched as Sophie joined in the game, her laughter and banter with Eddie and Buck a stark contrast to the tense, anxious girl he had seen at home. He felt a wave of relief wash over him. Maybe this day would help her unwind a bit.

Time passed quickly, and Bobby busied himself with station duties while keeping an eye on Sophie. She seemed more relaxed, her smiles more frequent. He was chatting with Chimney about an upcoming training exercise when he heard Eddie's voice call out, tinged with concern.

"Sophie, you okay?"

Bobby turned just in time to see Sophie stand up, her face pale. Her legs wobbled, and she began to sway. Eddie was on his feet in an instant, catching her just as she collapsed.

"Sophie!" Bobby shouted, rushing over.

Eddie gently lowered Sophie to the ground, and Buck was already on his phone, calling for help. Hen, who had been in the office, came running as well.

"Sophie, can you hear me?" Eddie asked, his voice steady but urgent.

Sophie's eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at her father, confusion and fear in her eyes. "Dad?"

"I'm here, sweetie. You're okay," Bobby reassured her, brushing a stray hair from her face. "What happened?"

Hen started checking Sophie's vitals while Eddie and Buck made sure she was comfortable. "Sophie, have you been feeling unwell?" Hen asked gently.

Sophie hesitated, her eyes welling up with tears. "I'm sorry, Dad. I haven't been eating or drinking much. I've just been so stressed with studying. I didn't want to worry you."

Bobby's heart ached as he looked at his daughter. He knelt beside her, taking her hand in his. "Oh, Sophie. You don't have to go through this alone. We're here for you. Your health is more important than any test."

Sophie nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I'm sorry."

Hen gave Bobby a reassuring nod. "Her vitals are stabilizing, but she needs rest and nourishment. Let's get her some water and something to eat, slowly."

Eddie and Buck moved quickly, fetching water and some snacks from the kitchen. Bobby stayed by Sophie's side, his hand never leaving hers.

"Take small sips, okay?" Hen instructed, holding the cup for Sophie.

Sophie complied, sipping the water slowly. She looked up at her father, guilt and exhaustion etched on her face. "I didn't mean to scare you, Dad."

Bobby shook his head, his eyes soft with understanding. "I know, sweetheart. We'll figure this out together. You're not alone in this."

Once Sophie had regained some strength, Bobby helped her to a nearby couch, wrapping a blanket around her shoulders. The station had quieted down, the firefighters giving them space but remaining nearby, their concern evident.

"Can you tell me more about what's been going on?" Bobby asked, sitting beside Sophie.

She took a deep breath, her voice shaky. "The tests, Dad. They've been so hard. And I just keep thinking if I don't do well, I'll mess up my future. I've been staying up late studying, and I just... I forget to eat or drink sometimes."

Bobby felt a surge of anger—at the school system, at himself for not noticing sooner, at the pressure that had driven his daughter to this point. But he pushed it down, focusing on the girl in front of him who needed his support.

"Sophie, your future isn't defined by one test or even a series of tests," he said gently. "What matters most is your health and happiness. We can get through this together. We can talk to your teachers, find ways to manage the stress better."

Sophie nodded, her eyes filled with relief. "Okay, Dad. I'm sorry I didn't tell you."

Bobby pulled her into a hug. "You don't have to be sorry. We'll get through this, one step at a time."

Eddie and Buck returned with some toast and more water, setting it down in front of Sophie. "You gotta take care of yourself, kiddo," Buck said softly. "We need you healthy and kicking our butts at cards."

Sophie managed a small smile. "Thanks, Buck. Thanks, Eddie."

Eddie ruffled her hair gently. "Anytime. You're part of our family."

As Sophie ate, the team stayed close, offering their support. Bobby knew they'd need to make some changes to help Sophie manage her stress and anxiety better, but he also knew he had a strong support system in his friends and colleagues.

That evening, when they got home, Bobby made a few calls. He spoke with Sophie's school counselor, arranging a meeting to discuss her workload and find ways to alleviate some of the pressure. He also scheduled an appointment with a therapist who specialized in adolescent stress and anxiety.

"Sophie," he said, sitting down with her after dinner, "we're going to make some changes. I've talked to your school, and we're going to work on a plan to help manage your stress better. And I've found someone for you to talk to—a therapist who can help you with your anxiety."

Sophie looked relieved, a weight visibly lifting from her shoulders. "Thanks, Dad. I don't want to feel like this anymore."

Bobby hugged her tightly. "You won't, sweetheart. We'll get through this together."

Over the next few weeks, Sophie began her therapy sessions, and the school adjusted her workload, providing extra support where needed. Bobby was diligent about ensuring she ate well and stayed hydrated, setting regular meal times and making sure she took breaks from studying.

The fire station continued to be a place of refuge for Sophie. Whenever she felt overwhelmed, she'd spend time there, the camaraderie and warmth of her father's colleagues providing comfort and distraction.

One afternoon, a few weeks later, Sophie was back at the station, helping Eddie and Buck wash the fire truck. She looked healthier, her eyes brighter, and her smile more frequent.

"Sophie, you're a natural at this," Eddie joked, handing her the hose.

Sophie laughed, spraying Buck playfully. "Thanks, Eddie. It's nice to have a break."

Bobby watched from a distance, his heart swelling with pride and gratitude. They still had a journey ahead of them, but they were on the right path. And most importantly, Sophie knew she wasn't alone.

That night, as they drove home, Sophie turned to her father. "Dad, thanks for everything. I know it's been hard, but I feel a lot better now."

Bobby reached over, squeezing her hand. "I'm proud of you, Sophie. You're strong, and we'll keep working together to make sure you stay healthy and happy. Always."

Sophie smiled, leaning her head against the window. "I love you, Dad."

"I love you too, sweetheart," Bobby replied, his voice filled with emotion. "More than you'll ever know."

As they drove home, Bobby felt a deep sense of peace. No matter the challenges, they were a family, and they would face everything together.