Chapter 3: Shadows in the Ward
The hospital corridor smelled of antiseptics and quiet anxiety. Clara was moved into the Intensive Care Unit, hooked to fluids and monitors. Outside her room, Ryan sat on a vinyl chair, his turnout gear still stained with grease and smoke.
Captain Harris, a grey-haired veteran with kind eyes, walked down the hall holding two paper cups of black coffee. He handed one to Ryan and sat down beside him.
""You broke protocol today, son,"" Harris said softly, taking a slow sip. ""You went into a unstable structure without backup because you knew she was inside.""
May you like
Ryan looked down at his boots. ""I had to.""
""I know,"" Harris replied, placing a heavy hand on Ryan's shoulder. ""And any man in this room would’ve done the same. But courage without a clear mind gets people killed. You’re off duty for the next two weeks, Ryan. Be her husband right now, not a firefighter.""
