ONE SHOTS MARINA (ENGLISH)

14. Scare

P.O.V. CARINA DELUCA-BISHOP

It was a quiet night at Station 19, which, considering the last few weeks, was a rarity. The low sound of laughter and conversation filled the cafeteria as some firefighters and medics enjoyed their dinner. We were sitting at the table, Maya and I, a simple meal of pasta with tomato sauce and garlic bread in front of us. The food was nothing fancy, but it was homely enough to bring a certain comfort after everything we had been through.

Across the room, I could see Andy playing with Liam on the sofa, making funny faces and sounds that drew giggles from our son. It was a relief to see him so happy and carefree, especially after the recent chaos. The image of the two of them, so wrapped up in each other, brought a smile to my face.

- He's having fun - I commented, looking away from her, who was concentrating on twirling the strands of pasta on her fork.

- She's a natural with children - agreed the blonde in front of me, a small smile curving her lips - I knew he'd love spending time with her.

The conversation was light, a welcome contrast to the previous days. Even though we were at the station, where danger and action were never far away, there was a serenity in being here, together. Ben and Joey were also in the cafeteria, swapping stories as they ate dinner. The atmosphere was imbued with a sense of community, something I knew was fundamental for Maya.

As we finished eating, I began to feel a familiar tightness in my lower abdomen. It wasn't pain, exactly, but an uncomfortable pressure. I took a deep breath, hoping it would pass, but the sensation only intensified. I knew what it was - the famous Braxton Hicks contractions - but even so, a hint of worry crept in.

I should have been used to this, since I was in my third trimester, but every time the contractions came, it was hard not to think about the approaching birth. And my wife... Well, she was always on high alert.

The squeezing got stronger, and I ended up letting out a little sigh of pain. That was enough to make Maya stop what she was doing and look at me, her eyes instantly filled with concern.

- Carina, what's wrong? - she asked, tension evident in her voice.

I tried to smile to reassure her, but her expression only became more serious.

- Braxton Hicks - I replied, trying to sound calm - Nothing much, just a bit uncomfortable.

But she immediately went on alert. Her eyes went wide, and she started to get up so quickly that she almost knocked over her plate in the process.

- Are you sure? - she asked, approaching me as if she was ready to take me to the hospital right then and there.

- Yes, I'm sure - I replied, laughing softly when I saw her exaggerated reaction - It's normal, bella. The body is preparing for childbirth, that's all.

She hesitated, clearly still worried, but sat back down, although her eyes remained fixed on me, watching for any sign of discomfort.

- I know, I know - she said, sighing as she ran a hand through her hair - But... You know I care.

- And I love you for it - I replied, reaching out to take her hand on the table - But really, I'm fine. You don't have to worry so much.

The touch of my hand seemed to calm her down a little, but the worry still hadn't completely disappeared. It was a side of her I knew well - the protective side, always ready to spring into action at any sign of danger. But right now, what I needed was for her to relax, for us to enjoy the time without stress.

Warren, who was sitting on the other side, noticed the small commotion and approached, an understanding smile on his face.

- Everything all right here? - he asked, clearly worried, but trying to keep his tone light.