When Fires Collide - Chapter 3
Marshall was in the kitchen fixing some dinner. Everest was in the bedroom sitting with Cinder. She had begun speaking with her and Marshall a little. Mainly that her head hurt. Marshall had convinced her that she hadn't eaten in over 24 hours so she agreed to something light. Marshall had decided that mom's chicken noodle soup would fix anything so he was making it. There was a knock on the door. Skipper was standing there with a few bags of groceries. Beside him stood Smudge.
"Smudge, it's been less than 7 hours," said Marshall, clearly surprised, "How?"
"I told you I called in a favor," laughed Smudge, "just so you know, don't eat and then agree to get in an F-35 with an RAF pilot."
"He called and asked if I could pick him up," laughed Skipper, "I asked when and he said now. I thought you could use some extra groceries. It smells good in here, did someone drop something off?"
"I'm making my mom's chicken soup," said Marshall. "It's the ultimate comfort food. I finally got her to agree to something light. She's just barely starting to talk, Smudge, this is not the Cinder you are used to."
"I came for her," said Smudge simply, "I don't care if she talks, as long as she knows I'm here for her."
"How long are you staying?" asked Marshall.
"As long as she needs me," said Smudge.
"Oh sorry," said Marshall, "come in please. I was just about to take some soup to her."
"Please, let me," said Smudge.
Marshall and Skipper walked into the kitchen to put away the groceries. Smudge picked up the tray and carried it into the bedroom.
As he walked in, Cinder was speaking with Everest but froze, staring at the door with her mouth hanging open. Everest turned around and her face erupted into a smile.
"H-how?" asked Cinder softly.
"Marshall said you needed a friend," said Smudge, setting the tray down. "Marshall made you some soup."
Cinder was on her paws in an instant. She tackled Smudge and broke down crying again.
"Oh, it was so horrible," whimpered Cinder softly.
"Shush, shush, I'm here now," said Smudge. "I can't fix it, but I'm here for you." He patted her back as she wept. Everest walked into the living room.
"Did you call him last night?" asked Everest.
"No he called this morning, apparently she was supposed to call him last night," explained Marshall. "Something about calling in a favor and a friend with a fast fighter jet."
"If that's not proof he cares," said Everest, "I don't know what is. There's hope for the boy yet."
"Would you like some soup?" asked Marshall. "It's Mom's recipe, it's the best fix it food I could think of."
"You did great honey," said Everest, kissing him then stepping into the kitchen to grab herself a bowl.
Marshall poked his head into the bedroom to check if they needed anything else. Smudge had led Cinder to the bed and she was softly retelling the story. Smudge was patiently listening to every word. Marshall turned and walked back into the living room.
Marshall and Skipper sat and talked typical shop talk for a while. Everest walked over to check on the other two. Smudge was feeding Cinder her soup. Everest came back with tears in her eyes.
"What's wrong Eve?" asked Marshall, suddenly concerned.
"T-that is the most adorable thing I've seen in a long time," whispered Everest.
Skipper finally left as it was getting later in the evening. Everest had gone to bed with Cinder. Smudge and Marshall sat in the living room discussing how things were going in London. Smudge explained that they had implemented the Chief Training position but he just didn't seem to enjoy it as much as he hoped. He was considering proposing an operations program. Marshall then began telling him of some of the calls they had handled in Adventure Bay.
"It's a long way from the things you and Cinder deal with but it keeps us busy," laughed Marshall.
"Well they are still very lucky to have you," said Smudge. "I know there are areas in England that still have no coverage and it takes at least an hour to get medical assistance to some areas. We are lucky that the RAF is willing to cover remote areas."
"Maybe we could come tour and explain the benefits of a small rescue force," said Marshall.
"Name the time and I'll make sure you have a guide," advised Smudge, "If nothing else, I'll do it."
"I'll talk to Ryder and see what we can do," said Marshall. "You can have the couch. I'm going to go lay down with Eve and Cinder."
"Ok, I'll see you in the morning Marshall," said Smudge.
"Smudge," said Marshall, "Thanks for coming. If she hasn't said it yet. It really does mean the world that you came."
"Anytime, anywhere," said Smudge. "I'll come as soon as I can."
The following days were hard. The Heartland Fire Department sent representatives, including Marshall, Cinder, and Smudge to the funerals for those lost in the accident. The hardest of course would be the parents of the little girl."
Cinder knew in her heart it would be one of the hardest things she ever did. It helped greatly that Marshall was there. It still took her breath away thinking about how Smudge had dropped everything and came. He came for her, and she deeply appreciated it.
'Maybe we can figure something out,' thought Cinder to herself. He didn't respond, but Marshall heard the hopeful thought too.
The morning of the parent's funeral came. The four of them in their dress uniforms joined Skipper in his SUV. Station 25 had closed for the morning of the service. All of the crews showed up in their uniforms. Yes they were there for the little girl and her family but the reality was they were there to support Chief Cinder.
Cinder stood at the church's entrance. A gentleman in a tuxedo approached the five as they approached.
"Chief Cinder," said the gentleman, "My name is Gary. I'm the funeral director. The family has requested that you come and meet with them before the service."
"Oh, ok," said Cinder softly, turning to look at Skipper, Marshall, Everest, and Smudge.
"Oh, no Chief," said Gary, "By all means they are invited as well. I remember your brother from the news. Skipper, it's been a few years."
"Yes, it has," said Skipper, shaking Gary's hand.
Marshall introduced Everest and Smudge. They followed Gary into the church. He led them into a room that had been set up for the family members.
As they entered a little girl ran across the room and hugged Marshall. She began crying softly and then as she calmed down she sniffed Marshall's fur, then stepped back looking at him curiously.
"Something is different," said the little girl.
"I think you're looking for my sister," said Marshall, pointing his paw towards Cinder.
The little girl paused looking back and forth at the twins obviously confused.
"He's my twin brother," Cinder softly explained, "Guys, this is Cindy."
A smile formed on Cindy's lips, she ran over and hugged Cinder. A couple had walked up behind the group.
"Cinder, I want you to meet my aunt and uncle," said Cindy, "I'll be living with them now."
"Hello Chief Cinder," said the gentleman, "My name is Thomas and this is my wife Tabatha."
"I call her Aunt Tabby," said Cinder.
Tabatha knelt down and hugged Cinder. She wept softly.
"T-thank you Cinder," said Tabatha, "this is a horrible situation. Cindy has talked non-stop about how nice you were and how you smell like her mom did. She wore lavender perfume all the time as well."
Tears rolled down Cinder's muzzle. Marshall started to step over to her but Smudge beat him to it. Smudge simply stepped over and placed a reassuring paw on her shoulder. She looked back at him and smiled.
Cinder introduced everyone present.
"We just wanted to meet you before the service," said Thomas.
"Aunt Tabby said you and the other firefighters are heroes," said Cindy.
"I want you to know, your mom was the hero," said Cinder softly, "she wanted you to grow up strong and healthy."
"Aunt Tabby said she loved me more than her own life," said Cindy. "She says she sacrifished herself for me."
"Sacrificed, Cindy," Tabatha said.
"Yes, She did," said Cinder softly, "She sacrificed herself to save you. You were very loved and you are very loved by your aunt and uncle."
Thomas was trying very hard to keep it together.
"The minds of children are so amazing," said Skipper, struggling a little himself.
The service began and the preacher spoke of love and sacrifice. There were no dry eyes. Cinder wept at certain points. Smudge or Marshall would squeeze her paw and she would calmly take deep breaths.
The service was very difficult for Cinder and the rest of the crew. After the service everyone returned to Station 25. A meal had been delivered from the families of all those involved. Everyone ate and socialized.
Skipper and Cinder had walked into the office.
"Skipper, I want to thank you," said Cinder, "I'm not sure why this hurt as much as it did."
"There is always that one call that hits us and stays with us," said Skipper. "It just shows that we're human or dogs in your case, and we do have feelings for those we come into contact with. I want you to know it is not a sign of weakness. By far it is the opposite actually. It takes a heart to do this job. You have always been one of the best. Even the best can feel pain from the things we see. You are lucky enough to have a very supportive family and friends that care for you."
"I think I need to get back to work and put this behind me," Cinder said Softly.
"Cinder, it's ok to admit this hurt you," said Skipper, "Take a few days with Marshall, Everest, and Smudge. Take it easy, allow yourself some time and come back fresh. You have more than enough time saved up. Just so you know, you're not the only one that has taken time off because of this call. You're not alone, we all felt this one."
"Thank you Skipper," Cinder said softly. "I'll check in with you in a few days."
Skipper drove them back to Cinder's apartment.
It had been a day that totally drained them and by silent agreement they all went to bed.