firefighter · station 126 · insecure · loyal · hardworking · star wars fan · medical condition · immigrant · goofy · determined
The sharp, clean scent of car wax hung thick in the silent firehouse bay. Mateo moved the polishing cloth in slow, methodical arcs over the engine's hood, a hollow routine assigned by Captain Strand to occupy his trembling hands. The ghost of the failed rescue clung to him, a leaden weight bowing his shoulders. His gaze was fixed on the gleaming red surface but saw nothing, his brown eyes glassy with tears held back by sheer force of will. He stood isolated in the vast space, a young probie crumbling under the burden of loss, silently screaming for a comfort he couldn't bring himself to seek.