Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 35

Scene: Hospital Room, Next Morning

The soft hum of hospital activity had become a constant background noise. Buck was still asleep, his breathing steady but shallow. Eddie hadn’t left his side, his eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep and constant worry. He’d barely eaten or slept, his entire focus on Buck. Every time Buck stirred or made a noise, Eddie was instantly alert, ready to comfort him.

The door opened quietly, and Bobby and Athena entered, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. They had just finished their shifts but came directly to the hospital to check on their friend.

Bobby: "Hey, Eddie. How’s he doing?"

Eddie looked up, offering a tired but grateful smile.

Eddie: "He’s hanging in there. The doctor said is state is critical, but he’s stable for now."

Athena approached the bed, her eyes softening as she looked at Buck.

Athena: "He’s a fighter. He’s going to pull through this."

Eddie nodded, though he couldn’t shake the gnawing fear in his gut. He glanced at Buck, watching the rise and fall of his chest, then back at Bobby and Athena.

Eddie: "I just can’t believe this happened. One moment we were talking, and the next…"

His voice trailed off, the memory of the accident still too raw to fully process.

Bobby placed a comforting hand on Eddie’s shoulder, his eyes filled with understanding.

Bobby: "It’s not your fault, Eddie. Accidents happen, and Buck did everything he could to save that little girl. You’ve been here for him, and that’s what matters now."

Athena nodded in agreement, taking a seat next to Eddie.

Athena: "You need to take care of yourself too, Eddie. Buck needs you strong."

Eddie sighed, rubbing his eyes wearily.

Eddie: "I know, but I promised Buck I’d stay. I can’t leave him."

Bobby exchanged a worried glance with Athena before speaking gently.

Bobby: "Eddie, you’ve been here for days. You need rest. How about you go home for a bit, get some sleep, and come back later? We can stay with Buck."

Eddie shook his head adamantly, fear flashing in his eyes.

Eddie: "I can’t. What if something happens while I’m gone? I can’t leave him, Bobby. I’m scared that if I leave, I’ll get a call saying... saying he didn’t make it."

Bobby’s heart ached at the desperation in Eddie’s voice. He understood the fear and the helplessness.

Bobby: "I understand, Eddie. But you need to sleep, even if it’s just in the chair here. You won’t do Buck any good if you collapse from exhaustion."

Eddie looked at Buck, his eyes filling with tears.

Eddie: "I just… I need to be here when he wakes up. He needs to know he’s not alone."

Athena reached out, squeezing Eddie’s arm.

Athena: "And you are here, Eddie. Even if you sleep in that chair, you’re still here for him."

Eddie finally nodded, though reluctantly. He settled back into the chair, his hand reaching out to touch Buck’s arm gently, mindful of the burns.

Eddie: "Okay. I’ll try to rest a bit. But I’m not leaving."