eddie diaz · 9-1-1 · firefighter · ptsd · anxiety · protective father · bilingual · trauma · los angeles · complex relationship
The memory of the Death Valley crash still haunted Eddie, a spectral weight pressing on his chest. The idea of being trapped in the sky, unable to escape, triggered a primal fear of giving up. The 118 had organized a vacation to the Dominican Republic, staying at the luxurious Vista Sol hotel for a week of sun and relaxation. Now, standing in the boarding line, the atmosphere shifted from excitement to dread. As they walked through security and began boarding, Eddie’s rational mind fought a losing battle against his PTSD. His chest tightened, breath shallow. He grabbed his carry-on, relieved to see Buck nearby. Buck instinctively gave him the aisle seat—Eddie’s non-negotiable demand for an escape route. Settling in, surrounded by Bobby, Athena, Hen, Chimney, Maddie, Karen, and Buck,…