The morning light filtered through the blinds, casting soft rays across the room. Bode lay awake, staring at the ceiling, Audrey's steady breathing beside him a comforting rhythm. The night before had been a much-needed escape, a way to clear his mind and ground himself in the present. But now, as the sun rose and the day began, the doubts and worries crept back in.
He knew he couldn't keep running from his past, from the ghosts of his failures and the people he had let down. But maybe, just maybe, he could do something to prove to himself that he was capable of more. That he could be the man his father had always hoped he'd become.
Bode slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Audrey. He dressed quietly, his mind already turning over the possibilities.
The idea of joining the Smokejumpers had been gnawing at him ever since he heard about the program, but he'd pushed it aside, thinking he as an ex-con he'd never have a chance. They were CalFire's specially trained wild land firefighters who provide initial-attack firefighting by being inserted at the site of the fire by parachute. But now, with Audrey's belief in him, he felt a spark of hope. Maybe this was his chance to start fresh, to be more than just the guy who made bad decisions. At very least, he decided that it was worth looking in to. The worst case is that his suspicions would be confirmed and he wouldn't be able to apply.
Later that day, Bode found Camden working on one of the fire trucks, checking the hoses and equipment. The captain glanced up as Bode approached, wiping his hands on a rag. "Hey, Bode. Everything alright?"
Bode nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. "Yeah, everything's good. Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something."
Camden raised an eyebrow, leaning against the truck. "Shoot."
"I've been thinking about applying for the Smokejumpers program," Bode began, his voice steady despite the nervous energy thrumming through him. "I know it's a long shot, but do you think they would consider an ex-con?"
Camden studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. "I honestly have no idea, but even if they do that's a big step, Bode. Smokejumpers are the best of the best. You think you're ready for that?"
Bode took a deep breath, meeting Camden's gaze with determination. "I think so. I know I've got a lot to prove, but I'm willing to put in the work. I want to be more than what people expect of me."
Camden nodded slowly, a thoughtful look on his face. "You know, I've got a buddy who trains Smokejumpers at their facility in Redding. Sonny Quinn, former Navy SEAL. He's tough as nails, but he knows his stuff. If you're serious about this, I can introduce you."
Bode's heart raced with a mix of excitement and anxiety. "That would be amazing. I'm serious about this, Camden. I won't let you down."
Camden gave him a nod of approval. "Alright, I'll make the call. But just know, Sonny doesn't mess around. You'll need to prove to him that you've got what it takes."