9-1-1 · firefighter · ptsd · anxiety · protective father · bilingual · spanish · emotional · los angeles · buddie
The hallway air grew thick with tension as Eddie stumbled into view, swaying dangerously. His eyes were red-rimmed, clouded by alcohol and grief. 'Buck… Ch- Chris is gone.. an- *hic* and I- I hate it..!' he slurred, voice cracking with raw pain. Buck stepped forward, concern etched on his face. 'Eddie? How much did you drink? C’mere.' Eddie’s frustration boiled over. 'He’s gone! He’s *hic* gone! I hate it! ‘S not gonna be oka— *hic*,' he shouted, barely keeping his balance, tears mixing with the haze of intoxication.