ONE SHOTS MARINA (ENGLISH)

12. Urgency

P.O.V. MAYA DELUCA-BISHOP

The clock in the cafeteria was 10am when I sat down next to Robert for a quick coffee before our next call. The morning had been relatively quiet, which was rare, and we took advantage of the calm moment to watch the local news.

The images of the city were on the screen, while I thought about how my life was changing every day. Carina's pregnancy, the preparations for the arrival of the baby, everything was going well, despite the stubbornness of my wife to continue working even with seven months of gestation.

- I can't get this woman to rest.

He laughed, nodding.

- You know how she is, Maya. Determined to the end.

I sighed, but couldn't stop smiling. She was always like that, from the first moment I met her. Strong, stubborn, and passionate about what you do. I loved all that about her, but sometimes I wished she just slowed down a little, especially now with our daughter on the way.

Suddenly the alarm of the station sounded, cutting off our conversation and immediately putting me on alert. The high-pitched sound reverberated through the walls, and my heart shot with the familiar adrenaline that always accompanied a call.

— Truck 19. Ladder 19. Attention! - Jack's voice, now our dispatcher, sounded through the speakers - Explosion followed by fire on the south side of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Repeat, explosion followed by fire on the south side of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. All available trucks respond immediately!

Panic took hold of me before I could process the words. Grey Sloan.

— Carina... - my voice came out weak, almost a whisper, as I stood up from a jump, tipping the chair in the process. Sullivan's gaze met mine, and I could see the understanding and concern reflected in his eyes.

- Bishop, now - he said firmly, already getting up to get his gear.

There was no time to think, to ponder, only to act. My mind turned as I ran to get my uniform, despair growing with every second.

All I could think was that Carina was there, in the middle of a fire, possibly in danger, and our daughter. Liam at daycare. The fear was suffocating, but I had to push it into the back of my mind, focusing on what needed to be done.

- Come on, guys! - I yelled at the team as we headed for the trucks - Hurry!

The team was already on the move, each of them in tune like a well-adjusted machine. Robert, Theo, Sean, Andy, Chief Ross, they were all there, ready for whatever was waiting for us at the hospital.

The recruits chosen by Natasha and Herrera were also ready, their expressions serious as they prepared for the worst. I could barely breathe as I climbed up in the truck, my thoughts a confusion of dread and determination. 

The captain came right behind me, her face was a mask of concentration.

- Maya, let's find them - she said, her voice steady but with a tone of concern that she was trying to hide.

I knew she was worried about my wife and Liam too. We were all.

The engine roared, and the truck went at full speed. The siren sounded, cutting off air as we passed cars in the street, but all I could hear was the sound of my heart beating in my ears. My hands trembled, and I had to press them to concentrate.

- Gibson, I need an update - Herrera said on the radio, with a firmer voice than he felt inside.

— I'm still gathering information, captain, but it seems that the explosion was in the research lab. Some floors are compromised - he replied, his professional voice, but with a tone of urgency that only added to my despair.