Pyro

“Are you family?” the doctor asked. We’d finally made it to the hospital.

“No,” I said. “I rescued her.”

“Then you’ll need to leave.”

“NO!” Kendra exclaimed. “NO. She stays. She stays!”

“Okay, okay. Just stay back and out of the way.”

“Yes, Doctor. Kendra, I’m right over here. Relax. I told you I wouldn’t go anywhere.”

“Okay, okay. Relax. I can do that.”

I had never bonded with someone so quickly. Not even Helen or Jackson.

This was weird. Even for the life that I’d lived so far.

“Are you okay?” the doctor asked, looking over at me.

“Fine. Just take care of her.”

“Is she okay?” Kendra asked.

“She says she is.”

“What’s wrong?”

“She looks exhausted, first off. Eyes look like they should be burning a little.”

“Why?”

“Too much smoke. Breathing is a little raspy.”

“I’m fine. Just take care of Kendra. We can take care of me later.”

“Get her a doctor.”

“Okay.”

They brought in a bed for me so that I could stay close to Kendra.

“You’re going to be fine. Drink lots of water and I’ll flush out your eyes as soon as we finish assessing Kendra,” the doctor said.

“Great, thanks.”

“Is she okay?” Kendra asked.

“Yes. She’ll be fine. Now lets concentrate on you and the baby.”

“Okay. As long as she’s okay.”

“Good.”

“How is she doing?”

“Good. The baby is, too. I don’t see any broken bones, which is surprising. No strain on her body at all, except for smoke inhalation. Lots of water for both of you and I think some rest. I’m going to keep you both for observation for the next few hours and then release you.”

“Thanks.”

“Do you have a ride home?”

“I’ll call my friend, Helen. She should be able to pick me up.”

“Me, too?” Kendra asked.

“Yes.”

“Good. Why don’t you both rest and then we’ll get you out of here.”

“Thanks, Doctor.”

“Anytime.”

I closed my eyes and thankfully didn’t dream.