Page 37 of Dueling Flames

“Melissa, Lissa, can you hear me?”

“Yes. Why are you whispering?”

“Do you know who I am?”

“Yes, I think.” She looked familiar.

“Okay. Do you feel nauseous? Have a headache? Dizzy?” The lady shined a light into my eyes, and I shut them.

“That’s too bright,” I said and swatted her hand away. “Lacey. Your name is Lacey.”

“Good. Do you remember where you are?” Lacey was one of the paramedics.

I tried to look around.

Lacey grabbed my head. “Don’t move your head.” Someone stopped next to them and handed Lacey something. She proceeded to put a c-collar on me.

“What is this for?”

“Do you remember what happened? Where you are?” Lacey asked while checking my pulse.

Over Lacey’s head, I spotted flames. “There’s a fire.” I started to sit up again.

“Stay down. There was a small explosion that knocked you down.”

I remembered holding the end of the hose. “Where’s…my partner?” Jesus. What was his name?

“I’m right here.” He moved where I could see him.

I reached my hand for his. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” he said.

“Don’t move. We don’t know the extent of your injuries.” Lacey said.

“I need to put out the fire.” I grabbed onto Lacey’s arm to pull myself up. Lacey held me down. “The stretcher is almost here.”

I could feel the heat from the fire. “Why do I need a stretcher?”

“You were blown back by an explosion.”

“Really? Where’s…my partner?” What was his name?

“I’m still right here.” His voice caused me to focus on him. He stood next to Lacey.

“But the fire—”

“There are plenty of people here to take care of the fire. Alright. We’re ready to move you.” She patted my arm.

Lacey stood up and walked to my feet. My eyes darted around while Lacey talked to the second person whose name I didn’t remember.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“We’re taking you to the hospital.” Lacey said.

Up on the stretcher, I could see more of the scene around me. I really needed to help put out the fire. “That building is on fire. We got to put it out. I can’t go to the hospital.”

“You were hit by an explosion. We need to check you out.”