The Madness
Based on recent events….
Five crewmen from Station 51 sat around the kitchen table, showing various levels of interest – or disinterest – in Marco Lopez' chili.
Johnny Gage, usually the first to finish the tasty concoction, just stirred his spoon and stared into space. "Man," he whispered, shaking his head.
Chet Kelly nodded in agreement. "Brutal," he said.
Roy DeSoto chewed on his lower lip. "I never thought this would be so tough," he began. "Everyone just going down."
Now Marco, who was also ignoring his own dish, nodded. "Yeah." He glanced at the fifth crewman. "Only Stoker could keep his head above water."
Mike Stoker shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not sure what to attribute it to," he said. "It's luck, I suppose." The others agreed.
Captain Hank Stanley walked out of his office to join the group at dinner. He was amazed at the silence. "A more miserable crew I've never seen," he said. He smiled. "You know, you did a great job at the fire on South Vermont."
Roy smiled. "Thanks, Cap."
"So, why the misery?"
Johnny and Chet looked at each other, then back at their captain.
"It's the college basketball, Cap," Chet said. "These teams have been dropping like flies."
"It's a case of bracket-itis that has nothing to do with Dr. Brackett," Johnny joked. His crewmates groaned at the line.
"Only Mike's been able to keep his teams in," Marco said.
Mike gave a half-smile. "I think the teams are responsible, not me," he replied.
Hank nodded. "I know what you mean," he said. "I went through a whole system to pick my teams, and it's like the Titanic. My wife picked 'em out of a hat, or so it seems, and she's doing better."
"Maybe we should try that," Johnny suggested.
"I have a better idea," Hank said. "Let's finish Marco's chili and, if we don't get toned out, watch tonight's game."
Agreeing, the others ate with more enthusiasm, then sat in front of the television.
The announcers had just opened the evening's coverage when the tones sounded.
"Engine 51, trash fire at East Watson and Bonita. East Watson and Bonita. Time out, 19:05."
As Hank acknowledged the call, his engine crew boarded their vehicles.
"Maybe a disgusted basketball fan who set his TV on fire," Chet told Marco as they climbed on the engine.
They left the paramedics watching the beginning of the game – and wincing as yet another team started out stumbling.
"Squad 51, kitchen injury, at the university, between Perimeter and Birch Knoll," they heard, then heard it repeated. "Time out, 19:15."
"Well, at least we'll miss the damage on the hardwood," said Johnny as he and Roy raced to the squad.
THE END, and here's hoping none of you has Bracket-itis!