The next day in the afternoon, Ira and Reeya were in the theater hall watching a movie when Reeya's pager went off .
"Beep-Beep,"
The tone was loud enough to turn the entire hall into a frenzy .
'It's time!'
For a moment, Ira felt a weight crushing her . A weight of responsibility . She patted her chest to calm her concerns .
'You can do it!' She encouraged herself .
I will pull you out even if you stand at the death door .
Since she knew her fate, it became her obligation . If she fails today, blame, and condemnation belongs to her .
If you couldn't save a person you could, imagine the helplessness and remorse . How would you survive with the guilt?
If only Reeya knew, she would understand Ira's state of mind better than anyone . When someone's life and death are in your hands, it's more of a burden .
Firefighters go through this emotion all the time .
Through life, loss, and tragedy . Through insomnia injury and depression .
They have to deal with the guilt — the constant mental playback, wondering if only I were a bit faster, a little better, a bit more poised, a little more heroic .
'Beep-Beep . . . County fire dispatch to station one . Priority One A building collapsed . 34 Street, 2197 . Time out: 3:30 pm . '
"I got a call . I have to go . " Reeya stood up from the seat .
As she turned and prepared to leave, Ira clutched her sleeve . "I'll drop you . "
Reeya nodded, and they exited the theater .
'Why didn't I bring my car?' She cursed herself .
When they met Ira insisted on a movie . She agreed with the condition that the movie hall was near her fire station . Still, it would take over five minutes to reach the station . Her coworkers would have already reached the spot . She couldn't make it to on time .
"Let's drive to the scene directly and catch up with other firemen," Ira advised .
"Hmm . ,"
Beep-Beep . . .
'County fire dispatch to station one . Priority One A building collapses 34 Street, 2197 . Time out: 3:30 . '
She stopped in her tracks . "Give me the keys . " She stretched out her hand .
She shouldn't drag Ira with her . Reeya shuddered at the thought of letting a pregnant woman on the location of deaths and chaos .
When the surrounding screams and panic get to you, no one is expected to be in the right mind .
"I am not that timid . " Ira eyes full of determination, as refused to let go of her .
"The clues," Reeya demanded once again in a fierce tone, stretching out her palm . Even in this kind of situation, she could keep her mind clear and emotions stable .
Now if she urged, the girl would prefer a taxi . So, Ira gave her the car key .
She had planned to drive and take Reeya away from the site . Now she could only tag along .
Reeya didn't even look back after taking the keys, rushed to the parking lot . As soon as Reeya entered the parking lot, she pressed the key, unlocked the car and dashed into it, as fast as greased lightning .
When she was about to drive, she saw Ira .
There was no way she would let her leave . When Ira opened the door and sat in the car, in a swift motion . " Ira"
"I'll come with you . " Ira was already breathless, almost gasping for air . Still stubborn as hell she followed .
Before she could force Ira out, another call came in .
Beep-Beep . . .
County fire dispatch to station one . Respond priority one . A building collapses 34 Street, 2197 . Time out: 3:30
It was the third call in a mere few minutes . Usually, between the calls, there is a ten-minute delay . But this was serious, and she cannot put off any further . So, Reeya could only take Ira along with her as they raced against the clock .
"Five minutes . " She could only reach the site in five minutes at the least . She stepped on the gas and drove at full pelt . The car disappeared from the parking area within seconds .
Ira herself was in great turmoil .
'If only I remembered the site and time, she wouldn't have been in this predicament,' she cursed under her breath for the hundredth time .
From last few days, the thought of saving Reeya swamped her mind .
Ira planned to bring Reeya away from the site . Now it looked like an impossibility . Is there no other way?
She glanced at Reeya, released a quiet sigh . I have to save her anyhow .
Chapter end
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