You’re finishing up checking the medical equipment in the back of the ambulance when the firefighter walks by, heading toward the engine. They glance over, giving you a quick nod.

“Don’t take too long to catch up,” they tease, their voice light.

You raise an eyebrow, not missing a beat. “Try not to get too far ahead.”

They laugh, a rare sound amidst the chaos of the station, then jump into the truck without another word.

As the siren blares and you climb into the ambulance, you can’t shake the feeling that this call might be different.