Trauma changes people. trauma changes everyone.
All rights for the 9-1-1 cast and all rights to most of the plot goes to ABC. New plots and new characters belong to me 🫶
Book continues in Apparition! 🫶
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LYDIA
Christmas Day had always carried a special type of magic, the kind that sparkled in the air like glitter and wrapped everything in warmth. But this year, it felt... different. The 118 had decided to host Christmas at a nearby park after a nearby apartment building collapsed. It displaced dozens of families, turning their holiday into a whirlwind of chaos.
The park was alive with activity. Twinkling string lights hung from trees, tables were covered in red and green tablecloths, and the air was filled with the smells of hot cocoa, roasted marshmallows, and cinnamon cookies. The 118 had gone all out to make the day special, with wrapped gifts stacked near a giant Christmas tree.
I tugged at the hem of my red sweater, adjusting the white bow in my hair. I was trying to stay cheerful, but something felt off. The laughter was loud, but it wasn't quite drowning out the thoughts in my head.
Miles appeared beside me, holding two cups of hot cocoa. "You look like you're thinking too hard," he teased, offering me a cup.
"Just soaking it all in," I said, forcing a smile.
He studied me for a moment, a knowing look in his eyes, but he didn't push. Instead, he grinned. "Don't soak too hard. You'll ruin your sweater."
I snorted. "Terrible joke."
"You love it," he shot back, his voice light.
********
Families bustled around the tree, picking out gifts that the 118 and others had donated. I felt a tug in my chest as I watched the kids faces light up with excitement.
"Be right back," I told Miles before grabbing a few small wrapped presents I'd bought with my own money.
I walked over to the group of kids, kneeling down to their level. "Merry Christmas, guys," I said, handing them each a gift.
Their faces lit up, and one by one, they threw their arms around me in warm hugs.
"Thank you!" One little girl said, her voice full of pure joy.
"You're so nice!" Another added.
Their happiness lifted my mood, if only for a moment. I smiled, genuinely this time, as I stood up and watched them tear into the wrapping paper.
********
Across the park, Dad was standing with Buck, Hen, and Ravi near the Christmas tree. Something about his posture seemed... off. His shoulders were tense, and every time I tried to approach him, he moved away, avoiding my gaze.
