9-1-1 ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ ᴏɴᴇ sʜᴏᴛs

First steps - Henretta Wilson and Karen

Zoe Wilson - 1

The firehouse was bustling with its usual activity when Hen and Karen Wilson arrived with their daughter, Zoe. Zoe was just over a year old, a curious and adventurous little girl who had been trying to take her first steps for weeks now. Hen and Karen had been eagerly waiting for the moment, each day hoping that today would be the day.

"Hey, everyone!" Hen called out as they walked in. The 118 crew looked up from their various tasks, smiles spreading across their faces.

"Hey, Hen! Hey, Karen! And hello, little Zoe!" chimed Buck, waving at the baby.

"Hi, Zoe!" Eddie added, leaning in to give her a gentle high-five.

Zoe giggled, her bright eyes scanning the room filled with her favorite uncles and aunties. She always enjoyed visiting the firehouse, where there were always new things to see and people who adored her.

"What's the occasion?" Chimney asked, coming over to give Karen a quick hug and Hen a fist bump.

"Just wanted to visit and give Zoe a chance to see her favorite people," Karen replied, smiling.

"Well, we're glad you did," Bobby said, walking over with a warm smile. "How about we have lunch together? We just finished grilling."

"Sounds perfect," Hen said, exchanging a glance with Karen. They had a feeling that today might be special.

---

The team gathered around the long dining table, passing plates of food and chatting animatedly. Zoe was seated in her high chair between Hen and Karen, happily munching on small pieces of fruit.

As lunch progressed, Zoe became increasingly fidgety, her eyes darting around the room as if she was looking for something. Hen picked her up and placed her on the floor. Hen and Karen exchanged another knowing look.

"Do you think...?" Hen started to say, her voice filled with hopeful anticipation.

"Maybe," Karen replied, nodding.

Suddenly, Zoe pushed herself up in her high chair, gripping the sides as she leaned forward. Everyone's attention turned to the little girl, sensing that something was about to happen.

"What's going on, Zoe?" Buck asked softly, his eyes wide with excitement.

Zoe made a small noise, like a grunt of determination, and then—she let go of the chair. For a moment, she stood there, wobbly but upright, without holding onto anything.

"Oh my god, Hen, look!" Karen whispered, tears welling up in her eyes.

"She's doing it," Hen murmured, barely able to contain her excitement.

With a look of pure concentration, Zoe took a tentative step forward, her tiny foot landing on the ground. Then another step. The room fell silent, all eyes glued to Zoe as she made her way towards Buck, who was kneeling a few feet away with his arms open wide.

"Come on, Zoe! You can do it!" Buck encouraged, his voice gentle but filled with pride.

Zoe took another step, then another, her confidence growing with each movement. When she finally reached Buck, she collapsed into his arms, giggling with delight.

"She did it!" Hen exclaimed, jumping up and down in excitement.

"That's our girl!" Karen added, wiping away tears of joy.

The room erupted in cheers and applause, everyone celebrating Zoe's milestone. Buck lifted her up, twirling her around gently before handing her back to Hen and Karen.

"You did it, Zoe! We're so proud of you!" Hen said, covering her daughter with kisses.

"First steps at the firehouse. That's something special," Bobby said, his eyes glistening with pride for the little girl who had captured all their hearts.

As the excitement died down, the team continued their lunch, each taking turns to congratulate Zoe and her moms. Zoe, now more confident, started to explore the room, taking small steps here and there, always looking back to make sure Hen and Karen were watching.

---

After lunch, the team gathered in the common area to relax. Zoe, energized by her newfound mobility, toddled around the room, exploring every nook and cranny.

"Hey, Zoe, come here!" Chimney called, holding out a small toy firetruck. Zoe looked up, her eyes lighting up as she recognized her favorite toy.

She walked over to Chimney, her steps still a bit wobbly but steadier with each attempt. Chimney handed her the toy, and she squealed with delight, immediately starting to push it around on the floor.

"She's a natural," Eddie said, watching her with a smile.

"Just like her moms," Hen said proudly, wrapping an arm around Karen.

As the afternoon wore on, Zoe's energy began to wane. Hen picked her up, cradling her close as she started to doze off.

"It's been a big day for her," Karen said softly, stroking Zoe's hair.

"Yeah, I think it's time for a nap," Hen agreed.

They thanked everyone for their support and the wonderful lunch before heading home. The ride back was quiet, with Zoe sleeping peacefully in her car seat. Hen and Karen held hands, both feeling a deep sense of happiness and pride.

---

Later that evening, after Zoe had been put to bed, Hen and Karen sat on the couch, reflecting on the day's events.

"Can you believe she took her first steps at the firehouse?" Hen said, still amazed.

"I know. It's fitting, though, considering how much that place and those people mean to us," Karen replied.

Hen nodded. "We're really lucky to have such a supportive family."

"We are. And Zoe is going to grow up surrounded by so much love," Karen said, leaning her head on Hen's shoulder.

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, grateful for their little family and the incredible day they had shared. As they headed to bed, they peeked into Zoe's room one last time, watching her sleep peacefully.

"Goodnight, sweet girl," Hen whispered, closing the door softly.

As they climbed into bed, Hen pulled Karen close. "Here's to many more firsts and many more special days."

Karen smiled, kissing Hen gently. "To many more."

With that, they drifted off to sleep, their hearts full of love and joy for their beautiful daughter and the wonderful life they were building together.