PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 40: Halloween

The room was softly lit when Carina entered, finding Maya in bed, already half asleep. She took a few moments to admire Maya's peaceful form, her heart filling with tenderness.

Carina quietly got into bed beside Maya, careful not to wake her. She snuggled close to the sleeping firefighter, wrapping an arm around her waist.
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Even in her sleep, Maya sensed Carina's warmth and instinctively scooted closer, seeking more comfort. A soft mumble escaped her lips, a hint of a sleepy smile playing at the edges of her mouth.

The following morning, the sound of birds chirping outside the window drifted through the bedroom as Maya slowly opened her eyes. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the soft morning light.

As she looked around, it dawned on her what day it was - Halloween. The realization brought a pang of disappointment. This was the first time in years she wouldn't be part of the station's festivities.

Beside her, Carina stirred, her eyes slowly fluttering open. She smiled sleepily as her gaze landed on Maya's wide awake eyes. "Buongiorno,bambina. You're staring at the ceiling again, aren't you?"

Maya nodded, her expression a mix of frustration and resignation. "Yeah, I am. I didn't sleep much, just thinking about everything I'm missing today."

Carina sit up and said "We could always visit the station."

Maya's eyes widened at Carina's suggestion, a spark of hope igniting within her. "Wait, are you serious? You'd let me go there, even if it's just for a little while?"

Carina chuckled at the excitement on Maya's face. "Of course. I know how much being at the station means to you. A small visit shouldn't be a problem, as long as you promise to take it easy and not overdo it."

A wide grin spread across Maya's face, brighter than it had been in days. "I promise. I'll be careful, I swear. Thank you, Carina. You have no idea what this means to me."

Carina smiled, her hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair away from Maya's face. "I have a pretty good idea. Now get up and dressed. I'll start breakfast, and then we'll head over to the station."

The promise of visiting the station filled Maya with a sudden burst of energy. Within minutes, she was up and dressed, her usual energetic self despite the lingering sore throat.

Carina watched her with a mix of relief and amusement. "You look like a kid who just got told it's Christmas. You missed your station that much, huh?"

Maya chuckled, the excitement still evident in her tone. "You have no idea. Being cooped up here has been driving me insane. I've missed the hustle and bustle, the adrenaline of our calls, the banter with the team. It's like a piece of me is missing when I'm not there."

Carina nodded in understanding. "I get it. You were born to be a firefighter, Maya. The Station 19 is part of your identity. I know it'd be hard for me to be away from Grey-Sloan for too long."

Maya said "Why aren't you at work today anyways."

Carina smiled, leaning against the kitchen counter. "I took the day off to be here for you. I figured you might need the company and support during your recovery."

Maya's heart skipped a beat at Carina's words. The gesture only made her fall more in love with her. "You really didn't need to do that. I know how busy you are at the hospital."

Carina took a step closer, her hand gently resting on Maya's shoulder. "I know I didn't have to. I wanted to. You'd do the same for me, and don't bother denying it."