My POV
I pull on my work shirt, smoothing down the sleeves so my patches show. One reads Brewster Paramedic and the other is an American flag. I grab my pants, shoving my shears and stethoscope in the pockets.
When I'm all ready to go, I sit on the edge of the bed like I do every morning, and begin to say the EMT prayer I recite every time I go to work.
Before I can start, Adam walks in. "Hey. Am I interrupting?"
"No." I say, putting my elbows on my knees. He knows I do this, but he usually leaves me alone. "I was just starting."
Adam pauses, then nods. "Mind if I join you today?"
I smile, then hold out my hand for him to take. "I would love that."
Adam takes my hand, kneeling in front of me at the foot of the bed.
"Ready?" I ask, watching him close his eyes. Adam nods, then bows his head. I do the same, then repeat the words I know from my heart.
"As I perform my duty, Lord, whatever be the call, help to guide and keep me safe from dangers big and small. I want to serve and do my best, no matter what the scene, I pledge to keep my skills refined, my judgment quick and keen. This calling to give of myself, most do not understand, but I stand ready all the time to help my fellow man. To have the chance to help a child, restore his laugh with glee. A word of thanks I may not hear, but knowing is enough for me. The praise of men is fine for some, but I feel truly blessed, that you, oh Lord, have chosen me to serve in EMS."
I finally finish, and give Adam's hand a quick squeeze. He looks up and smiles.
"You know I'm proud of you, right?" He asks, sitting beside me on the bed.
"What do you mean?" I ask, scuffing my socks on the carpet.
Adam smiles softly, looking over at me, his eyes sparkling. "I'm proud of you because you go out there every single day, and help total strangers. You put them ahead of yourself without a second thought. I'm proud of you for that."
I lean over and kiss his cheek, wrapping my arms loosely around his shoulders. "Thank you."
Adam hugs me at an awkward sideways angle, kissing my forehead. "You need to get going."
I fall back on the bed, and cover my face with my arms. "I don't wanna go."
"You're not going," Adam says, pulling me up. "Without this."
Adam pulls something out of his pocket, keeping my right arm in his hand. He slides something on my wrist, then lets it drop.
"Oh, Adam. It's beautiful." I say, rotating my wrist. Adam put on a bracelet, with several charms on it. Two of them are hockey sticks, one is an ice skate, and the other is an "A" charm. "I love it."
Adam smiles, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Good."
I walk over to him and wrap my arms around his shoulders, holding him tightly. Adam's arms rest on my waist, and his head leans against mine.
After a few seconds, Adam makes a move to pull away. When I don't move, I can feel him tense up, but put his arms back where they were. I stand there for a few minutes, just resting against Adam.
