Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 54

Scene: Buck and Eddie's Bedroom, Night

The night was silent, but the kind of quiet that felt oppressive rather than peaceful. Buck tossed and turned under the covers, his face etched with tension. His breathing was labored, shallow gasps escaping his lips as beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Eddie, fast asleep beside him, was unaware of the storm brewing in Buck's mind.

In Buck's nightmare, he was back at the scene of the accident. The sky was dark, heavy with ominous clouds, and the air smelled of burnt rubber. He could hear the distant wail of sirens, but they seemed far away, almost unreachable. Buck was trapped in the firetruck near the scene where he had the accident, the metal crumpled around him like a cage. Flames licked the edges of his vision, growing closer with every passing second. His arms were pinned, and no matter how hard he struggled, he couldn’t break free.

The sound of the fire crackling grew louder, the heat intense and suffocating. Panic set in as he realized he couldn’t breathe, the smoke thickening around him. He could see his reflection in the broken shards of glass around him, distorted and twisted, his own eyes filled with terror. In the distance, he could hear voices – familiar ones – calling his name, but they were muffled, drowned out by the roaring fire.

Eddie’s voice was among them, desperate, filled with fear. But no matter how much Buck tried to call out, his voice was gone, lost in the chaos. The flames were upon him now, searing his skin, and the pain was unbearable. Buck’s vision began to blur, the edges darkening as he felt consciousness slipping away. Just as the flames engulfed him completely, he jolted awake.

Scene: Buck and Eddie’s Bedroom, Late Night

Buck shot up in bed, gasping for air. His heart was pounding in his chest, his hands trembling uncontrollably. He was drenched in sweat, his body shaking from the intensity of the nightmare. Eddie, sensing the movement beside him, woke up immediately.

Eddie: “Buck, hey, it’s okay. I’m here, you’re safe.”

Eddie reached out, placing a comforting hand on Buck’s back. Buck’s eyes were wide, still caught between the nightmare and reality. It took a few moments before he fully realized where he was.

Buck: “It was… it was the fire. I was trapped… I couldn’t get out.”

His voice was shaky, and Eddie could see the fear in Buck’s eyes. He pulled Buck into his arms, holding him tightly, hoping to calm the storm raging inside him.

Eddie: “You’re safe now. It was just a nightmare. I’ve got you.”

They stayed like that for a while, Eddie gently rubbing Buck’s back, whispering soothing words in his ear. Buck’s breathing slowly evened out, but the lingering fear didn’t fully dissipate.

Buck: “It felt so real, Eddie. I was back there… but in the truck, and the fire was everywhere.”

Eddie’s heart broke hearing Buck’s words. He knew Buck had been struggling since the accident, but seeing it manifest like this was even more painful.

Eddie: “I’m here with you, okay? You’re not alone. We’ll get through this together.”

Scene: Living Room, Late Night

They moved to the living room, unable to go back to sleep. Buck sat on the couch, staring at the floor, while Eddie made them both a cup of tea. The quiet of the night was now filled with the faint sound of the kettle boiling and the occasional clink of mugs.

Eddie handed Buck a cup, sitting down next to him, their knees touching. They drank in silence for a few moments before Eddie spoke.

Eddie: “This isn’t the first time, is it?”

Buck shook his head, setting the mug down on the coffee table.

Buck: “No… it’s been happening almost every night. I thought it would get better, but it’s not. I’m scared to sleep because I know the nightmare’s waiting.”

Eddie’s concern deepened. He could see the exhaustion etched on Buck’s face, the dark circles under his eyes. This was taking a toll on him, and Eddie knew they needed to do something about it.

Eddie: “I think… I think you should talk to someone, Buck. A therapist. This isn’t something you should go through alone.”

Buck tensed at the suggestion, his immediate instinct to refuse.

Buck: “I don’t know, Eddie… I’ve never really talked to anyone like that before. What if it doesn’t help?”

Eddie reached out, taking Buck’s hand in his.

Eddie: “It’s worth a try, Buck. You’ve been through so much, and you shouldn’t have to carry all of this on your own. If it doesn’t help, we’ll figure something else out. But I think it’s important to at least try.”

Buck hesitated, the idea of opening up to a stranger making him uncomfortable. But then he looked at Eddie, saw the worry in his eyes, and realized he owed it to both of them to try.

Buck: “Okay… but will you come with me? I don’t want to do this alone.”

Eddie smiled softly, relieved that Buck was willing to give it a shot.

Eddie: “Of course. I’ll be right there with you, every step of the way.”

Scene: Therapist’s Office, Next Day Afternoon

A few days later, they found themselves in a therapist’s office. The room was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and comfortable chairs. Buck and Eddie sat side by side, Buck’s hand gripping Eddie’s tightly.

The therapist, Dr. Harper, was a kind-looking woman in her early forties, with a gentle smile and a calm demeanor. She sat across from them, her presence reassuring.

Dr. Harper: “So, Buck, Eddie told me a little bit about what’s been going on. But I’d like to hear it from you, if you’re comfortable sharing.”

Buck glanced at Eddie, who gave him an encouraging nod. Taking a deep breath, Buck began to speak.

Buck: “I’ve been having nightmares… ever since the accident. It’s like I’m back there, trapped in the fire, and I can’t get out. No matter what I do, the flames keep getting closer, and I… I feel like I’m going to die all over again.”

Dr. Harper listened intently, her expression sympathetic.

Dr. Harper: “That sounds incredibly distressing, Buck. It’s not uncommon for people who’ve been through traumatic experiences to have nightmares like this. Your mind is trying to process what happened, but it’s overwhelming.”

Buck nodded, feeling a bit more at ease knowing that his reactions were normal.

Buck: “I just… I don’t know how to make it stop. I’m exhausted, but every time I close my eyes, it’s there waiting for me.”

Dr. Harper:*“One thing we can work on is finding ways to manage the anxiety and fear that come with these nightmares. Sometimes, having a routine before bed, or certain calming techniques, can help. But it’s also important to talk through the trauma itself. You don’t have to face it alone.”

Buck felt a lump in his throat, the thought of revisiting the trauma daunting.

Buck: “I’m scared. I thought I could handle it on my own, but it’s getting worse.”

Eddie squeezed Buck’s hand, offering silent support.

Dr. Harper: “It’s okay to be scared, Buck. But you’re already taking a big step by being here. We’ll take it one day at a time, and I’ll be here to help you through it. And Eddie’s here with you too. You have a strong support system.”

Buck glanced at Eddie, his resolve strengthening.

Buck: “Okay… I’m willing to try. I just want to feel like myself again.”

Dr. Harper: “That’s a good goal, Buck. We’ll work towards that together.”