ONE SHOTS MARINA (ENGLISH)

2. Seeking help

P.O.V. CARINA DELUCA

The soft morning light came in through the gaps of the curtains, delicately illuminating the living room with gold tones that danced on the surfaces of the furniture. The clock on the wall marked exactly 10 hours, but the house still maintained a serene silence, interrupted only by the occasional murmurs of Liam, who was comfortably nestled in my arms.

I was sitting on the couch, gently rocking back and forth as I watched the boy explore the world with his big curious eyes. He was particularly calm this morning, his little fingers grasping the soft fabric of my blouse as his eyes followed the rays of sunshine that crossed the room.

Maya was still sleeping in the room, exhausted from the previous day full of tension and danger. Seeing my wife so broken broke my heart, but I knew that rest was necessary for her recovery, both physical and emotional. The incident in the fire and the discovery of my pregnancy had been a whirlwind of emotions, and now it was time to process everything calmly and carefully.

Carefully, I adjusted Liam in my arms and reached for my phone that was on the coffee table. I skied through the contact list until I found Diane Lewis' name. She was an amazing therapist, specializing in assisting firefighters and emergency professionals to deal with the traumas that came with the profession. I only heard wonders about her through Vic and the others, besides having already experienced how amazing she really was.

Pressed the name of the woman on the screen and took the phone to the ear, feeling a slight anxiety while waiting for the call to be answered. My son looked at me as if he noticed my mood change, and offered a small toothless smile that immediately warmed my heart.

After a few taps, the calm and professional voice of Lewis filled the line.

- Diane Lewis speaking, good morning.

I took a deep breath before answering, trying to keep my voice stable and clear.

- Hello, Diane. This is Carina DeLuca, wife of Lieutenant Maya Bishop. I hope I'm not bothering you.

I heard a slight smile in her voice when she answered.

- No way, DeLuca. It's a pleasure to talk to you. How can I help?

— Well, I would like to make an appointment for Maya - I started by adjusting the little one again as he tried to reach my necklace - She went through a very stressful situation yesterday during the forest fire, and I think it would be good for her to talk to someone about that. Also, there are many things going on in our lives that can be a little overwhelming at the moment.

Lewis was silent for a moment, probably processing the information.

— Understand perfectly. Chief Ross gave me a brief update on what happened. I'm glad you contacted me. When do you think it would be a good time to meet?

I thought for a moment, considering her routine and how to fit this appointment without overburdening her even more.

— Her shift would normally start today at 6pm. I think it would be a good time, so she wouldn't feel that she's deviating too much from her usual routine. Maybe we can meet there?

The therapist agreed immediately.

— That sounds perfect. I can be at Station 19 by 6 pm then. So it will be a familiar environment for her, which may help in the conversation. Would you like to be present too?

Bit the lower lip, pondering the offer. He wanted to be there to support Maya, but also knew that she could open up more easily if she was alone.

- Maybe it's better if she is alone in this first conversation. But I can be around if she needs me.