PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 42: The Crash

In the midst of the team's ongoing party, the loud sound of the PA system interrupted the conversation. 

As the dispatch message started playing, the team members instinctively turned their attention to listen. 

The dispatch announcer's voice crackled through the speakers: "Attention, Station 19. We have a motorcycle accident on the corner of 5th and Main Street. Injuries involved. Requesting immediate response."
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As the team listened to the dispatch message, Maya and Megan exchanged a glance, realizing they weren't in a suitable condition to respond to the call.

Maya sighed, her competitive spirit still evident. "Damn it, I hate sitting this one out. We shouldn't even be on standby in the first place."

Megan nodded in agreement, her frustration mirroring Maya's. "Yeah, this really sucks. I bet it's a serious one too. We should be out there helping."

Andy, overhearing the conversation, interjected. "Hey, it's okay. You guys are still recovering. You need to think about your health first. We got this covered."

Maya scowled, clearly not satisfied with that answer. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But it still pisses me off. We should be out there doing our jobs, not sitting on the sidelines watching from a distance."

Vic said "Andy we got to go."

With the urgency of the dispatch message in mind, Andy nodded at Vic's words. "Right. Let's move, team. We've got work to do."

She quickly turned to Maya and Megan, who were still sulking about not being able to participate. "You two, get some rest. We'll take care of this call. And no complains!"

Maya and Megan begrudgingly nodded, knowing they couldn't do much in their current condition.

Andy gave them a reassuring pat on the shoulder before she and the rest of the team hurried to the fire engine, ready to respond to the motorcycle accident.

As the team left to respond to the motorcycle accident, Maya and Megan remained behind, watching them go with a mix of concern and disappointment.

Carina, sensing Maya's frustration and disappointment, approached her. Without a word, she gently laid her head in Maya's lap, offering comfort in her proximity.

Maya, still feeling frustrated, found solace in Carina's gesture. She threaded her fingers through Carina's hair, the rhythmic motion bringing a sense of calm to her restless mind.

Maya, her voice filled with a hint of resignation, spoke softly. "I hate this, you know. Sitting still while my team is out there risking their lives, and I'm stuck here useless."

Carina shifted slightly, glancing up at Maya. "Hey, you're not useless. You're injured. There's a difference. Besides, your team is perfectly capable of handling themselves. They don't need you out there right now."

Maya's mouth twisted into a wry smile. "Yeah, I know they can handle themselves. But it doesn't change the fact that I feel like I'm letting them down." 

She gently ran her fingers through Carina's hair, the familiar motion soothing her troubled thoughts.

Maya said "Your being extra cute right now."

Carina chuckled, feeling the gentle touch of Maya's fingers against her scalp. "Is that so? I thought I was just being my usual charming self." 

Maya's smile widened, her spirits lifted slightly by Carina's light-hearted response. "Yeah, maybe. But you have this habit of getting extra cute when I'm in a bad mood. It's like you know exactly how to distract me."