In the afternoon, children were laughing and playing sprinklers in the yard, their father hasn't come home from work. Mother went to the nearest supermarket to buy groceries needed for their father's business dinner at home, but the main menu was charred in the oven and it caused a big fire in the kitchen. Inevitably, that afternoon filled with screaming and crying of the children who later on noticed it.
My father used to say that there would be a time for me to subject to a woman. I denied it....but that day, my body felt weak in front of a woman. I, who enjoyed the adrenaline rush through my body and able to conquer the heat of a blazing fire, was standing cold and stiff before her. She's the loveliest woman I have ever seen. There's no flaw in her, even though there was, I must be blind for not seeing it. I could imagine waking up beside her every morning -- feeling the warmth of her body next to mine, and her soft low breath every time I kiss her goodnight.
She's becoming the reason for me to survive. Every time I threw myself in a dangerous emergency situation, I wanted to wake up the next morning just to feel her loving touch - to feel her embrace around my body. Yes... I was becoming so addicted to her. If I could not see her again, my world would fall out in a moment.
So, that day, I wanted to ask her the most important question in my life. The one that would change my life forever.
Theme Song: "Crazy Amazing " by V V Brown
"What is it, Dave? Why are you holding me like this and why are your shoulders felt cold? Are you feeling sick?"
"No...I'm not. I'm fine. Just ... hold me."
I had planned everything perfectly for the special moment, but when the moment came, all those plans were falling apart. I didn't even know where to start. So, I just kissed her... soft, long, and tender.
The road in front of us would be long, and if she agreed to live with me, she must endure a simple life that I offered. I knew she would not mind by it, but I wanted to offer her more.
Still, the first step must be taken, before she slips away and falls into another man's arms.
"Why are you looking at me like that, Dave? You're making me nervous.... and what's with the suit?" She stared at me with a warm gaze.
"Lila, can't you see it? I'm well prepared only for this special moment, love."
I bowed on my knees and pulled something out of my pocket. I saved money only to buy this ring. The ring that would bind us together -- a sign for our commitment that would be inaugurated in holy matrimony.
I hoped ... it would fit in her finger... But, most of all, I hoped she would accept my proposal.
"Why are you kneeling, Dave?"
"Lila, I have been waiting for this to come. I know, maybe you thought that I wasn't serious. But, I do... I have never been so serious in my entire life. You're the only woman I love and I want you to be there for me always, for the rest of my life. I may not have anything to offer you right now, but a simple house and the love that I have, but I promise I will make our life together as happy as it can be. Will you do the honor of marrying me?"
"I do.. I do.. I do..."
Carefully, I put the ring on her finger
and felt the soft skin of her arm.
I could not believe that the time finally came. I had a woman who I loved and loved me. The one that I adored so much.
"Dave... I couldn't wait to tell all my families and friends."
"You can call them now. You can use my cell phone."
"Really? I promise I will not talk too long."
"You may talk as long as you want to... But, please not too long so we can head out to my place.... and now that we are engaged maybe you can sleep over tonight?"
"Dave.. you can.keep on trying, honey."
Well, I tried it anyway...
That day was one of the happiest days in my life...
"This is Dave. We are on the third floor and run out of
air supply. Fire has cut off our escape route. We request a ladder to
the window on Delta side of the building. Over."
"Command
copied Dave, your escape route cut off by fire. I'm sending the Rapid
Intervention Crew to Delta side with a ladder. Over."
After
the unexpected call, between the heat and smoke from the burning wood,
the firefighter spoke to one of his crews. "Hold on! They'll help us in a
moment, Lila." He embraced her shoulders, trying to protect her from
the scorching fire. Looking at her almost loosing her breaths, he gave
her a comforting and assuring gaze. "We're going to make it. You and
I... We'll have beautiful days ahead, more beautiful than we have
already had. I promise."
The Rapid Intervention Crew
arrived shortly with a ladder on delta side of the building. The
firefighter pulled her arms, trying to help her to get to the window as
soon as possible. However, his chest felt tight, and he was coughing
between his breaths.
Until finally, he broke down,
having lots of poisonous gas in his lungs, kneeling down on his knees
like the time he proposed to her -- the only woman he ever loved. The
firefighter woman took off her oxygen mask and put it on his nose.
Her tears dripped at the corner of her eyes. It wasn't because of the
heat nor the smoke filling her lungs. Stuttered words came out of her
lips.....
"Yes, my love.... you and I ...we'll survive and we'll see our children."
Theme Song: "Shark In The Water" by V V Brown Summer, 2012
Everyone knows that being firefighters is not an easy job since our lives are at stake. Once we get to the scene, we can only rely on our faith, teamwork, and our engines. Any slices of careless and stupid mistakes, our lives might end in a second. I know that, but still... I decided to be one of them.
My name is Dave. I'm a firefighter, and this is part of the story of my life.
I arrived in Twinbrook in summer 2009, alone without a family or friends. A stranger, just like Twinbrook was a strange place for me. It was the chance to start a new life and to be the real person who I really am. It greeted me with its mist and welcomed me with smiles from the locals there. It's actually a nice place for anyone to settle in, but beware of what unseen behind everything you can see in there. It's the place where disaster can happen in any time soon, waiting for you in front of your doorsteps. Worse, it could happen in your very own house if you're not being careful.
"See you again, Dave!" "Thanks, Bro!"
Even though, I came here alone, it didn't take much time for me to mingle with new buddies. My co-workers were okay. At least, when I got introduced as the new volunteer, they taught me steps and the ins and outs to become a good fireman and as time passed by, we became close friends like brothers and sisters.
Everything was going well. I was on my way to reach the top of my dreams. Still, one problem was overhanging me. The first time I set my foot on Twinbrook, I had no roof, a bed, a stove, or a refrigerator. In fact, I had nothing, but a cell phone. You may wonder how I survived, but I did. The department gave a volunteer like me a room in the firehouse, so I didn't have to worry about where I should sleep.
For me, it was the most comfortable place in the world, at least until I finally got my own space.
There, we spent our time: developing our skills, maintaining our fire engines, and socializing with other firefighters. Many things happened in there. For me, it was the place where I found myself
