Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 95

Scene: Buck at the Doctor’s Office

Meanwhile, across town, Buck sat in the waiting room of Dr. Hawkins’ office, trying to steady the nervous energy buzzing through him. The room was quiet except for the low hum of the ceiling fan and the ticking of the clock on the wall—a noise that seemed to grow louder with each passing second. The sterile scent of antiseptic hung in the air, a sharp reminder of the many hospital visits he’d had over the last few months. The memories of those first few days in the hospital after the fire, the haze of pain, and the overwhelming uncertainty of whether he’d ever return to the job he loved weighed heavily on his mind.

He fidgeted with his phone, scrolling aimlessly through messages and news articles, but nothing could distract him from the reality of why he was here. Today wasn’t just any doctor’s appointment; today was the day he would find out if he was cleared to go back to work at Station 118. The station was like a second home to him, a place where he felt like he belonged. But returning after everything that had happened wasn’t as simple as just being physically ready.

The nurse called his name, and Buck stuffed his phone back into his pocket, feeling his heart pick up a little. He followed her down the narrow hallway and into the familiar examination room. His eyes flicked around the space—white walls, medical posters, the faint buzz of fluorescent lights overhead. It was a space he had become all too familiar with, but today felt different. Today, there was a sense of finality, like whatever happened next would determine his future.

Dr. Hawkins greeted him with a warm smile when he entered, his calm, friendly demeanor instantly soothing some of the tension that had been building in Buck’s chest.

Dr. Hawkins: “Hey, Buck. Good to see you again. You ready for this?”

Buck nodded, though there was a slight hesitation in the motion. He wanted to be ready. He wanted to feel the same confidence he used to have when he walked into a burning building, knowing he could handle whatever came next. But this was different. This was about trusting his own body again, trusting that the scars left behind wouldn’t hold him back.

Buck: “Yeah, I think so.”

Dr. Hawkins motioned for him to sit on the examination table, and Buck climbed up, his legs dangling over the side. The doctor began the routine check-up, inspecting Buck’s arms, his shoulders, and the areas where he had sustained burns from the fire that had nearly claimed his life. The burns had healed well, leaving behind faint scars that Buck had come to accept as part of his story. They weren’t painful anymore, at least not physically, but the mental scars were a different story.

As Dr. Hawkins pressed gently along the lines of his arms, Buck’s mind wandered back to that day. The heat, the smoke, the way time had seemed to slow down when he thought he might not make it out. He had been lucky—so incredibly lucky—but surviving didn’t come without its cost. The nightmares had lessened over time, but every now and then, in the quiet moments, he could still feel the flames licking at his skin.

Dr. Hawkins stepped back, nodding with a satisfied look on his face.

Dr. Hawkins (nodding): “You’ve healed nicely, Buck. Your body’s recovered well, and physically, you’re fit for duty.”

Buck exhaled a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. Physically, he was ready. He had done the hard work—grueling physical therapy sessions, hours spent in the gym rebuilding his strength, pushing himself even on the days when it felt impossible. He had gotten his body back, but now the question was whether he could trust it in the field.

Dr. Hawkins, ever perceptive, noticed the flicker of doubt in Buck’s eyes. He paused, tilting his head slightly.

Dr. Hawkins: “How are you feeling about going back? It’s okay if you’re not 100% confident yet. That’s normal.”