Between Flames and Promises

to emergencies. Whether it was putting out a fire or rescuing someone in crisis, the firefighte

my fingers over them, my heart would ache, but I swallowed

orking quietly behind the scenes. But when I becam

mething, to comfort me when I was sick, even if it was just with a simple "drink more water." But

chen. I paused in surprise-it had been so long since I last saw him. The sig

ed to alarm. When he turned to face

heek, resembling parched, cracked earth, threatening to split open with every small movement he made. Across his otherwise striking

He hadn't wanted me to see this. Tears welled up and sp

ed my tears away, his eyes

t time, I promise. Don't cry-you'll ruin your pretty face," he teased with a lopsided grin.

at felt like forever, unable to shake the th

-it hadn't been just a simpl

sit me. But an emergency call came in: an abandoned bu

he building. After securing the trapped individuals with safety harnesses, Lorenzo made su

econd, Lorenzo leaped toward the lift, clinging to its edge. The crew

nds clung to the smooth, narrow edge of the lift, straining against gravity. After what must have felt like an eternit

esent his job deeply. I even threatened our relationship, demanding he find safer, more stable work. Each

us-or rather, me giving him

his work and the life of a firefighter,