PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 21: Family

Carina's eyes drooped, her body too tired to argue. She mumbled an incoherent reply, snuggling into the couch and closing her eyes.
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Travis watched as Carina's breathing grew slow and steady, her body giving in to the exhaustion. "Looks like she's out."

Andy nodded, watching over Carina with an affectionate gaze. "Poor thing. She's been through so much."

As Andrew entered the room, he took in the scene. Carina was asleep on the couch, and Andy was keeping watch over her, looking exhausted herself.

"How is she?" Andrew asked quietly, keeping his voice low so as not to disturb Carina.

Andy looked up, concern etched on her face. "She's sleeping now, but she's really unwell. It's taking a toll on her, both physically and emotionally."

Andrew nodded, his own worries evident. "Yeah, I know. She's been asking about Maya constantly."

Travis spoke up, his tone sympathetic. "Can't blame her for that. Maya's condition has everyone on edge."

As they spoke, Andrew's pager went off. He checked the message and his expression darkened.

"Damn it," he muttered. "I've got to go take care of a trauma coming in."

Travis clapped a supportive hand on his back. "Go. Do what you need to do. We'll keep an eye on Carina."

Andrew nodded, but the worry didn't leave his face. "Alright. I'll be back as soon as I can."

With that, he hurried out of the room to attend to the incoming trauma.

Travis turned his attention back to Carina, who was still asleep, her tired body curled on the couch. Andy looked at her, concern etched on her face.

Andy spoke quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "She looks so vulnerable. I've never seen her like this before."

Jack said "Didn't we met her like 4 days ago when Maya introduced her to us."

Ben shot a warning glare at Jack. "Yeah, and your point is?"

Jack shrugged, his usual bravado resurfacing. "Just saying, we don't know much about her except that she's Maya's girlfriend."

Travis, fed up with Jack's dismissive attitude, spoke up. "And that somehow makes her less worthy of our care and concern?"

Jack tried to backpedal, realizing he was in the wrong. "That's not what I meant. I just think we should exercise caution, that's all."

Andy spoke up, her voice sharp. "Caution about what? Carina's been nothing but good for Maya."

Ben nodded, agreeing with Andy. "Maya's been happier, more settled since she started dating Carina. They're good for each other."

Jack grumbled under his breath but didn't argue further. Travis, still protective of Carina, spoke up again. "Besides, she's sick, Jack. Her condition isn't something to be suspicious about."

Jack muttered a quiet agreement, realizing he was outnumbered. The group fell into a brief silence as they looked at Carina, her tired form still asleep on the couch.

Andy said "I am going to go back to Mayas apartment and get Mayas fire academy sweatshirt."

Andy's announcement caught the group's attention.

Travis asked, "Why do you need Maya's sweatshirt?"

Andy smiled softly. "Carina's been asking about Maya constantly, and I thought it might bring her comfort to have something that smells like Maya. A sweatshirt might do the trick."