9-1-1 ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ ᴏɴᴇ sʜᴏᴛs

Fight, fire forgiven - Bobby Nash

Katie Nash - 15

The morning sun filtered through the blinds of the modest house, casting soft rays over the breakfast table. Bobby Nash stood at the stove, flipping pancakes, the smell of fresh coffee permeating the air. The house was quiet except for the occasional sizzle from the pan. This quietness, though peaceful, was also a reminder of the strained relationship with his daughter, Katie.

Katie had been living with Bobby for the past few months, ever since she had come back into his life after years of estrangement. She was 16 now, full of defiance and anger, much of it directed at him. The fire that had claimed her mother and siblings had left scars deeper than the physical. She blamed Bobby, and though he had forgiven himself after years of self-punishment, he couldn't make her do the same.

Katie shuffled into the kitchen, her hair tousled, eyes still heavy with sleep. She wore an oversized hoodie and jeans, trying to blend into the background as much as possible.

"Morning, Katie," Bobby said, trying to sound cheerful despite the tension.

"Morning," she mumbled, grabbing a plate and sliding a pancake onto it. She avoided his eyes and sat down at the table, picking at her food.

Bobby watched her, the silence between them feeling like a chasm. "Got any plans for today?"

Katie shrugged. "Just school," she replied flatly.

Bobby sighed inwardly, knowing that pressing her for more conversation would only push her further away. "Alright. If you need anything, just let me know."

Katie nodded but didn't respond. The quiet breakfast continued, the only sounds being the clinking of cutlery and the soft hum of the refrigerator.

After a few more minutes, Katie finished her breakfast and stood up. "I'm heading out."

"Be safe," Bobby said, watching her leave. The door closed with a soft click, and Bobby was left alone with his thoughts, the morning's interaction replaying in his mind. He wanted to reach her, to bridge the gap between them, but every attempt seemed to fall short.

---

Later that day, the alarm rang at Station 118. Bobby and his team rushed to their gear, ready for whatever emergency awaited them. As they rode to the scene, Hen briefed them on the situation.

"Dispatch got a call about a disturbance at an underground fight club. Multiple injuries reported. LAPD is on their way, but we're going in first to provide medical assistance."

Bobby's mind was focused on the task at hand, but a nagging worry tugged at the back of his thoughts. Underground fight clubs were notorious for their brutality and the desperation of those who frequented them.

When they arrived, the scene was chaotic. People were running in all directions, some injured, others trying to avoid the authorities. Bobby and his team moved in, their training kicking in as they began to assess the situation and provide aid.

As Bobby scanned the crowd, his heart nearly stopped. There, in the midst of the chaos, was Katie. She was in the ring, fighting off an older, larger opponent with a ferocity that shocked him.

"Katie!" he shouted, but his voice was lost in the noise. He pushed through the throng of people, Hen and Chimney following closely behind him.

Katie landed a solid punch on her opponent, sending him stumbling back, but before she could react, he retaliated with a brutal uppercut that sent her sprawling to the ground. Bobby reached her just as she tried to get back up, a wild look in her eyes.

"Dad?" she said, her voice a mix of surprise and defiance.

"Katie, what are you doing here?" Bobby asked, his voice breaking with emotion.

Katie's eyes blazed with anger. "What does it look like? Trying to survive."

Bobby felt a pang of guilt and sorrow. "This isn't the way, Katie. Let us help you."

"Help?" she scoffed, wincing as she touched her swollen cheek. "Where were you when I needed you?"

Bobby didn't have time to respond as Hen and Chimney moved in to check her injuries. "We need to get you to a hospital," Hen said gently.

"No hospitals," Katie said, shaking her head. "I'm fine."

Bobby knelt beside her, his eyes filled with concern. "Katie, please. Let us help."

For a moment, Katie's defiance faltered, and she nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But I'm not going to a hospital."

Hen and Chimney exchanged glances, then helped Katie to her feet. Bobby stayed close, his heart aching with the realization of how much pain his daughter had been in. They guided her to the ambulance, and Bobby stayed by her side as Hen treated her wounds.

As Hen worked, Bobby reached out to Katie, his voice soft. "Katie, I'm so sorry. For everything."

Katie looked away, tears welling in her eyes. "It's too late for sorry, Dad."

Bobby felt his heart break. "It's never too late, Katie. I know I made mistakes, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right."

Katie didn't respond, but the look in her eyes told Bobby that his words had reached her, even if just a little. They rode back to the station in silence, the weight of their unspoken words heavy between them.

---

Back at the station, Athena was waiting, her face a mask of worry. "What happened?" she asked, rushing to Bobby's side.

"We found her at a fight club," Bobby said quietly, his eyes never leaving Katie.

Athena's eyes widened in shock, then softened with understanding. She knelt beside Katie, her voice gentle. "Katie, we're here for you. Whatever you need."

Katie looked at Athena, her defenses crumbling. "I just... I don't know what to do anymore."

Athena took her hand, her eyes filled with compassion. "We'll figure it out together. You're not alone."

Over the next few days, Bobby and Athena worked to help Katie find her footing. They arranged counseling, offered her a safe place to stay, and most importantly, they listened. Slowly, Katie began to open up, sharing the pain and anger she had carried for so long.

One evening, as they sat around the dinner table, Bobby finally broached the subject that had been on his mind. "Katie, I want to make things right. I know I can't change the past, but I can be here for you now."

Katie looked at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. "It's going to take time, Dad. But... I want to try."

Bobby felt a wave of relief wash over him. "That's all I ask."

As the weeks turned into months, Katie began to heal. She found solace in her new family, and gradually, the anger she had carried for so long began to fade. Bobby watched with pride as she grew stronger, her resilience and courage shining through.

One afternoon, as they sat in the backyard, Katie turned to Bobby, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Dad. For not giving up on me."

Bobby smiled, his heart swelling with love for his daughter. "I could never give up on you, Katie. You're my daughter, and I love you."

Katie smiled back, the bond between them stronger than ever. And as they sat together, basking in the warmth of their newfound connection, Bobby knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, as a family.