ONE SHOTS MARINA (ENGLISH)

1. The penny's begun to drop

P.O.V. MAYA BISHOP

The world seemed to be moving in slow motion as I stood there, in front of the hospital, holding Carina in my arms. Her breathing was irregular, and I could feel her heart beating uncontrollably against my chest. We were going to be mothers once again.

I was still processing the information. Carina, with her sparkling eyes and that smile that melted me, had just revealed that she was pregnant. Pregnant. As if life couldn't surprise us any more, she gave us this gift just when we thought everything was going to shit.

The hospital was filled with chaotic energy, but at that moment, time seemed to stand still. I couldn't take my eyes off Carina, my heart overflowing with love. Our dreams, our plans, everything was becoming real in a way I could never have imagined.

I smiled, unable to contain the emotion that was bubbling up inside me. I kissed her forehead softly, trying to imprint this perfect moment in my memory forever.

- I couldn't be happier - my voice was hoarse with emotion, and I hugged her tighter, as if to protect her and our baby from all the chaos of the outside world.

The sound of sirens and the buzz of the hospital invaded my senses again, reminding me that there was still so much to be done. But for a brief moment, all that mattered was my wife and the miracle she was carrying inside her.

It was then that Warren appeared in front of us, his countenance marked by concern. He looked at us for a moment, as if assessing what he had just interrupted. I didn't know if I should say anything immediately, but he, always perceptive, realized that there was something more at stake.

- Andy is being attended to now - Ben informed us - She suffered a burn on her neck, but she'll be fine. She should stay in hospital tonight for observation.

I let out a sigh of relief. Herrera was a sister to me, and the thought of her being in danger made me uneasy.

- Thank you for warning us, Warren - I smiled, still holding Carina's hand tightly - Well, there's something I need to tell you - I could feel the heat rising in my face - Carina and I... We're going to be mothers again!

Ben gave a broad, genuine smile.

- I already knew - he said, with a wink - We bumped into each other earlier and she couldn't hold back the news. But to hear it from you... I'm so happy for you, Maya. You both deserve it.

I laughed, shaking my head. My favorite Italian girl couldn't keep anything in when she was happy. And I didn't blame her. There was so much love between us that it was impossible to contain.

Warren gave us a warm hug, and at that moment, I felt a wave of gratitude for everyone around us. Our family of firefighters, our friends, everyone was part of this special moment. And now, our family was about to grow in a way I could never have imagined.

- Let's go and see Andy - I said, feeling duty calling me - She needs us now.

My wife nodded, and together, the three of us entered the hospital. As we walked through the corridors, everything seemed a little brighter, a little lighter. Life had its ups and downs, its challenges and victories, but now, with Carina's news, I felt we could face anything.

The love we shared was growing, literally, and with Liam already three months under our care. We were already practically mothers, but now the confirmation added a new layer of happiness to our lives.

We entered the room where the captain was being treated, and when I saw her there, surrounded by the doctors, I felt a lump in my throat. But I knew that, despite everything that had happened, we were on the right track. I squeezed Carina's hand.