Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 30

Scene: Hospital Waiting Room

Eddie burst into the hospital waiting room, his eyes wild with fear and desperation. The familiar fluorescent lights overhead and the sterile smell did nothing to calm his racing heart. As he looked around, he spotted the rest of the team: Hen, Chimney, and Bobby. They all turned toward him as he entered, their faces etched with worry and fatigue.

Eddie: "Wait... Where is he? Where’s Buck?"

Bobby stepped forward, placing a steadying hand on Eddie's shoulder. The gravity of the situation was written all over his face.

Bobby: "Eddie, Buck's in surgery. He’s got severe burns, a head injury, and internal bleeding. They’re doing everything they can."

Eddie’s legs gave out beneath him, the weight of Bobby’s words hitting him like a freight train. He collapsed into Bobby’s arms, his body wracked with sobs. Bobby held him tightly, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Bobby: "He’s a fighter, Eddie. He’s going to pull through this."

The rest of the team watched, their expressions a mix of sympathy and helplessness. Chimney and Hen exchanged glances, their own fears reflected in each other's eyes.

Hen: "Eddie, come sit down. We’re all here for you."

Chimney: "Yeah, let’s get you off your feet."

With Bobby and Chimney’s help, Eddie moved to a chair, though his mind was barely registering his surroundings. He slumped down, his head in his hands, trying to steady his breathing but failing miserably. The enormity of the situation was too overwhelming.

Eddie: "How... how did this happen?"

Bobby sat beside him, taking a deep breath before speaking.

Bobby: "There was a fire, Eddie. A bad one. Buck went in to save a little girl. He got her out, but the roof collapsed on him as he was trying to escape. He gave his gear to the girl to protect her. That’s why he got so badly hurt."

Eddie's chest tightened, a fresh wave of anguish washing over him. He knew how brave Buck was, how selfless, but hearing it put into words made it all the more real and heartbreaking.

Eddie: "He’s always putting others first. Damn it, Bobby. He didn't deserve this. I can't lose him... I love him so much."

Bobby: "I know, Eddie. I know."

The minutes dragged by, each one feeling like an hour. Eddie’s mind was a chaotic mess of worry, fear, and guilt. He kept replaying every moment he had spent with Buck, the good times and the bad, and the thought of losing him was unbearable.

Chimney: "Our Buckaroo is gonna be okay, if I could survive with a steel bar stuck between my eyes, he can make it."

Eddie nodded, though his eyes remained fixed on the floor. He was barely aware of the others around him, his entire being focused on the hope that Buck would come through this.

Hours Later, Outside the Operating Room

The waiting was torture. Eddie’s nerves were frayed, and he could hardly sit still. Every time a doctor or nurse walked by, he felt a jolt of hope, only to be crushed when they passed without stopping. The team tried to keep his spirits up, but it was clear that they were all deeply worried.

Hen offered small talk to distract Eddie, recounting old stories from the firehouse and moments that made them laugh. Chimney sat nearby, occasionally glancing at the clock, his leg bouncing with nervous energy. Bobby remained a steady presence, his calm exterior a stark contrast to the storm of emotions churning inside him.

Eddie's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, unable to focus on anything but Buck. He kept picturing Buck's smile, the way his eyes lit up when he talked about something he loved, and the warmth of his presence. The fear of losing him gnawed at Eddie's heart, making each passing minute feel like an eternity.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a surgeon approached them. He looked exhausted, but there was a hint of a reassuring smile on his face. The room fell silent as everyone turned to face him, the tension so thick it was almost palpable.

Surgeon: "Is Mr. Edmundo Diaz here?"

Eddie shot to his feet, his heart pounding.

Eddie: "Yes, that’s me. How is he? How’s Buck?"

The surgeon’s expression softened, and he nodded slightly, offering a glimmer of hope.

Surgeon: "Buck’s out of surgery. He’s in recovery now. The next few days will be critical, but he’s stable for now. Due to the extent of his injuries, we need to limit visitors. Only one person can see him at a time."

The relief that washed over Eddie was almost enough to knock him off his feet again. He felt lightheaded, a mix of emotions swirling within him: relief that Buck had made it through the surgery, anxiety about the critical hours ahead, and an overwhelming need to be by Buck's side.

Bobby stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on Eddie's shoulder.

Bobby: "Eddie, you go. Buck asked for you before he went into surgery. Your name is the first thing he said after he regained consciousness."

Eddie nodded, tears streaming down his face. The weight of the situation was heavy, but knowing that Buck had asked for him gave him a sense of purpose and urgency. He turned to his friends, who gave him encouraging nods and pats on the back.

Hen: "He’s going to be okay, Eddie. Go see him."

Chimney: "We’re right here. Take your time."

With shaky legs, Eddie followed the surgeon down the hallway. Each step felt like it took an eternity, the sterile hospital environment amplifying the surrealness of the situation. His mind was a whirl of thoughts, memories of Buck's laugh, his smile, and his unwavering bravery. He recalled the countless times Buck had been there for him, through thick and thin, always with a reassuring presence and a heart full of love.

The surgeon led Eddie through a maze of hallways and up an elevator, the silence only broken by the distant hum of hospital machinery. Eddie’s heart raced with anticipation and fear. He clenched his fists, trying to steady his breathing and prepare himself for whatever state Buck might be in.