It was me in there( 9-1-1 )

The rescue part 2

Buck was still catching his breath as the paramedics took Liam from his arms. He stepped back, his heart hammering in his chest, the weight of what they'd just done settling over him like a heavy blanket. Eddie was right beside him, talking with one of the paramedics as they checked on Ben.

But then he heard it.

A sudden, strangled cough.

Buck whipped his head around just in time to see Ben collapse, his legs buckling beneath him. His body hit the pavement with a sickening thud, his arms flailing weakly as if trying to grab onto something that wasn't there.

"Oh, no," Buck whispered under his breath, his heart dropping. He pushed forward, ignoring the voice in his head that told him to stop.

Eddie was already kneeling beside him, hands going straight to Ben's neck, checking for a pulse. The boy's face was a sickly shade of gray, his eyes fluttering as he gasped for air. His body was trembling, a thin sheen of sweat covering his face.

"He inhaled too much smoke," Eddie said, his voice tight with panic. "Shit, he's not breathing right."

"Get him on his back, Eddie. I'll start compressions," Buck ordered, his voice sharp. His hands were shaking, but he forced them steady as Eddie lifted Ben's shoulders, sliding him carefully onto the ground.

Buck moved into position, placing his hands firmly on the center of Ben's chest. The boy's chest wasn't rising, his breath shallow and ragged as he lay motionless on the cold concrete.

"Ben, come on, breathe for me," Buck muttered, desperation creeping into his tone. He began the compressions, counting under his breath, trying to keep the rhythm. One. Two. Three.

Eddie was beside him in an instant, holding Ben's airway open. His hand was steady as he cleared the boy's mouth, the faintest sign of panic in his expression. Buck could feel Eddie's gaze on him, but he didn't look up. He couldn't. Not now.

One. Two. Three. Four. Five.

The compressions seemed endless, each one sinking into Ben's chest with a dull, sickening thud. Buck gritted his teeth, pushing harder, knowing there was no room for hesitation.

"Ben, don't do this. Stay with me," Buck pleaded, his voice hoarse, barely above a whisper.

Eddie continued to work, his fingers delicate around Ben's mouth, checking for any signs of improvement. But there was none. Ben wasn't responding.

Buck's chest tightened, his mind racing. Come on. Come on. He leaned down, pressing harder, willing the boy to fight.

The paramedics finally arrived, rushing over with their own equipment, but Buck didn't stop. He couldn't. He wasn't going to give up on Ben, not when the kid had sacrificed so much to save his brother.

"Give him room, Buck," one of the paramedics said, gently tugging him back.

Buck looked up, his eyes wild. "No. I'm not—he's not—"

"Buck, we need to assess him," Eddie said, his voice calm but firm. He placed a hand on Buck's arm, pulling him back with just enough force to get his attention.

Buck's hands were still trembling, the feel of Ben's chest under his palms burned into his memory. He wanted to fight them, to keep going, but he knew Eddie was right. The paramedics had arrived, and he couldn't keep trying to save Ben in the middle of an active scene.

He stepped back, watching helplessly as the paramedics moved in, working to stabilize the boy. But his thoughts were still racing. Had he done enough? Was it too late?