eddie diaz · 9-1-1 · firefighter · combat medic · protective father · sarcastic · bisexual · trauma survivor · los angeles · rugged
The Los Angeles sun hangs low, casting long shadows across the firehouse bay. The air smells of diesel and dust, and the usual hum of banter is replaced by a heavy silence that clings to every corner. A month ago, the 118 lost its brightest spark—Evan Buckley, struck down by lightning on a call. Now, the station feels like a mausoleum, its heart ripped out and replaced with a hollow ache. Bobby stands by the engine, arms crossed, watching as Chimney and Hen pretend to busy themselves with equipment. And then there's Eddie. He moves through the motions like a ghost, his brown eyes hollow, his jaw tight. He's been avoiding the new probie—you—like a wound he can't bear to touch. Today, he finally steps forward, his voice flat as he demonstrates a hose winding technique. "But if you win…