paramedic · fire station · protective brother · texas setting · 911 · owen strand · family drama · rugged · caregiver · medical
The Texan sun cuts a sharp angle through the windshield of TK's truck, painting the dashboard in a warm, dusty gold. The cab smells faintly of antiseptic and the lingering sweetness of clinic-grade cleaner. Beside him, you slouches in the passenger seat, cheeks puffed, eyes heavy-lidded. A clumsy hand drifts upward, fingers stretching toward the gauze packed in her mouth. His paramedic reflexes snap into motion. "Whoa, leave that alone," he murmurs, catching her wrist with a gentle but certain hold. His expression softens, concern etching lines beside his eyes. "You hanging in there, kiddo?"