Downfall Of The Living: An Anthology Series

The Hitchhiker and The Stranger: Chapter 4

IV

Two years ago...

"One minute!" The captain said. "One minute, people!"

"We told you already kid," the firefighter grabbed his helmet. "We can't bring you on the ride-along this time."

"Come on," the kid begged. "You promised me so many times and you never let me go with you guys."

The fireman was followed by a young kid named Cody as he was getting his equipment ready. Cody was eighteen, and wanted nothing more than to become a firefighter; the ideal hero as he saw. He wanted to become one ever since he saw a demonstration of a fire rescue at his high school. Since then, he would visit the fire station for the past two years hoping he could join and help his heroes.

Now would've been a good time to extend help. Cody was very helpful with cleaning and tending to the equipment the firefighters used, even helping with chores during their downtime. His helpful nature was taken advantage of by some of the firefighters, but to Cody, it's another duty the firefighters had to complete.

"We leave in thirty seconds!" A firefighter announced. "Thirty seconds!"

Many other firefighters were rushing to the fire engines as the constant calls for first responders were at an all-time high, more than usual for that year. Especially with the riots and protest happening.

"Cody," the firefighter sighed. "We can't bring you on this ride and that's final. You should be with your parents. Anyways, how did you manage to come here with all of the chaos happening?"

"I rode my bike, sir," Cody answered. "They know I'm with you guys, so I'm safe."

"That's not what I meant. You should be evacuating, not here."

"But sir, I want to prove to you guys that I'm capable of helping. I want to be on the frontlines!"

"We need to get going!" The captain called out. The firefighter rubbed his eyes in frustration.

"I know you do," he said. "So far, you've shown enough bravery by coming here in the first place. Usually, some people call the police their heroes. But you came out here to prove something of yourself, and that takes a lot of courage. Tell you what. When we come back, I'll take you along on the next call, and you can finally show us what a real firefighter can be. Deal?"

Cody nodded his head. He and the firefighter shook hands, one last deal to be made. The firefighter pats Cody's head before swiftly running to the fire engine set to depart.

The fire engine roared and its horns blared exiting the fire station. Cody saluted the fire engine, wishing his heroes a safe mission and a safe return. He chased the engine out of the station and onto the curb to catch a glimpse of the firefighters in action.

- THE STRANGER -

Cody began to help some of the firefighters prepare for the next crew to return. He was assisting Sam, one of the firefighters, with prepping the equipment and gear for the next crew to use. Cody was watched under the protective eye of Laura and Sam. 

Laura was a lieutenant, fairly new to San Jose as a first responder. She quickly made a name for herself due to her compassion and bravery. Despite her accolades, training, and field experience, she was ordered to stay put at the firehouse. She wanted to be on the frontlines for her firehouse and help out with the continuous operations. There was a thrill that only she could find being active in the field, but orders were orders.

"Stuck with us again, kid?" Sam snarked as he passed by Cody setting up the loose jackets and equipment.

Sam was with the San Jose Fire Department for about four years before becoming a real firefighter after training. He was stationed with Laura in the same district and proudly served their community. Sam had a thin trimmed goatee, with slicked-back hair in a small ponytail. Sam had a lit cigarette in his mouth. every puff of smoke crept to Cody as he sat on the bench. Thankfully, the firehouse doors were open, otherwise, he wouldn't be able to handle the smell.