desertion

102

LYDIA

I paced the living room, my fingernails digging into my lips as the news droned on in the background. Every image of flames engulfing the dispatch center made my stomach churn. The anchor's voice described the chaos-firefighters on the scene, employees evacuated, injuries still unknown.

But all I could think about was May and Dad.

My phone buzzed incessantly in my pocket, but I ignored it. It didn't matter. Nothing mattered except knowing they were okay.

My breathing was erratic, shallow. My hands trembled as I clenched and unclenched them at my sides. He's okay. They're okay. They have to be okay.

A deep sigh escaped me as I grabbed my car keys off the counter. I couldn't just sit here anymore. Chris was at Abuela's, safe and sound. I was supposed to be at work, but the second I'd heard about the fire, I'd clocked out without so much as an explanation and sped home.

Now, I had to do something.

I practically sprinted out of the house, my shoes slapping against the pavement as I climbed into my car. My hands shook as I turned the key, the engine roaring to life. Without hesitating, I pulled out of the driveway, tires screeching as I sped toward dispatch.

My foot stayed glued to the gas pedal, my mind racing even faster. Every terrible possibility flashed through my head like a reel of horror clips-my dad trapped, May injured, the building collapsing before the 118 could get everyone out.

When I finally arrived, the sight before me made my breath catch. Flames licked the sky, bright orange against the darkening evening. Fire trucks surrounded the area, their lights flashing red and blue. My heart pounded painfully as I got out of the car, my legs shaky beneath me.

"Ma'am, you can't be here," a police officer said, stepping in front of me as I tried to approach the scene.

"No!" I yelled, shrugging off his hands as he tried to stop me. "My dad's in there! I have to find him!"

"Ma'am, it's not safe-"

I didn't hear the rest. My legs moved on their own, carrying me toward the triage area. My eyes darted frantically over the crowd, searching for a familiar face.

"Josh? May?" I whispered, my voice trembling. "Anyone?"

"Lydia!"

I turned toward the sound of my name and saw Linda waving me over. Relief flooded through me as I ran to her, my chest heaving.

"Linda, are you okay?" I asked, gripping her arms as if to ground myself.

"I'm fine," she said quickly, her eyes scanning my face. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be at work."

"I couldn't stay there," I admitted, my voice cracking. "Not after I heard... I had to come. I couldn't just sit there."

Linda sighed but nodded, understanding. "Your dad's inside, helping the 118," she said softly.

My breath hitched. "He's... inside?"

She nodded again. "He's been with them most of the night. I think he's back to being one of them after this."

I bit my lip, tears welling in my eyes. "Of course he is," I whispered, a sad smile tugging at my lips.

Before Linda could say more, the radio nearby crackled to life.

"Mayday, mayday. Cap Nash is down."

My entire body froze, my breath catching in my throat. My hands began to shake uncontrollably as Linda placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Lydia, sit down," she urged.

I nodded numbly, lowering myself onto the edge of a cot. My head spun with possibilities, each one worse than the last.

My phone buzzed again, and this time, I recognized the familiar ringtone. Miles.

With trembling hands, I pulled my phone from my pocket and pressed it to my ear.

"H-hello?" I managed to say, though my voice broke into a sob.

"Lydia?" Miles' voice was steady, a calm contrast to my panic. "Where are you? Why aren't you at home?"

I glanced behind me, watching the flames as they continued to consume the building. "I'm at dispatch," I whispered.

There was a pause. "I figured," Miles said, his voice quieter. "I'm at your house. I knew you'd be stressed. I just... I wanted to be there for you."

A soft, shaky smile crept onto my face. "Why?"

"Because I know you," he said simply. "Are you hurt?"

"No," I whispered, wiping a tear from my cheek. "I'm fine. Just... scared."

From behind me, I heard cheers and gasps, and I turned to see the 118 emerging from the building. They leaned on each other, their faces smeared with soot. In the middle of the group, May stood, alive and whole.

A sob escaped me as I watched them walk toward the triage area.

"Lydia?" Miles' voice came through the phone again. "What's happening? Are you okay?"

"I... I have to go," I said quickly, my voice trembling. "I... I love you."

The words slipped out instinctively, a habit. Before I could register what I'd said, I hung up, shoving the phone into my pocket.

I ran toward the group, my eyes scanning for my dad. He saw me first, his face lighting up with relief.

"Lydia?" he called, his voice hoarse but steady.

I didn't respond. I ran straight into his arms, colliding with his chest and holding him tightly.

"Dad," I choked out, my tears soaking into his shirt.

He held me just as tightly, his hand gently running over my hair. "I'm okay," he whispered. "I'm here."

"I couldn't lose you," I said, my voice cracking. "I couldn't let it happen again."

"You're not going to lose me," he said firmly, pulling back to look at me. "Not now, not ever."

I smiled through my tears, hugging him again as relief washed over me.

For now, everything was okay. And that was all I needed.