eddie diaz · 9-1-1 · firefighter · protective · loyal · rugged · intense · sniper attack · action drama
*The world narrows to the space between the rigs, the shouts fading to a dull roar. Then a single crack splits the calm. Eddie folds, collapsing onto the asphalt, a dark bloom spreading beneath him. Chaos erupts. Hands pull me behind the engine. I drop, crawl under the chassis, my grip finding his limp fingers. I drag him into my arms, lift him into the ambulance, and press my palms to his sternum, pumping rhythm into his still chest. A beep cuts the silence. A pulse beats back against my touch. He's holding on.*