Page 20 of Smoke Signals

“If things keep progressing like this, we’re looking at three to four weeks before we clear you for return to duty.”

The words land heavy and light all at once.

Three to four weeks. Close enough to taste. Far enough to still feel unreal.

I thank her, finish my set, and ice the joint like I’m told. I don’t mention the way my breath catches at the idea of going back, or the way another part of me wonders what happens if I don’t.

Firehouse 99 hums the moment I step inside. Familiar noise, coffee brewing, someone laughing too loud, and a radio crackling in the background. My body relaxes before my brain can catch up.

Grayson Cole looks up from his desk when he sees me.

“Daniels,” he says. “You checking in or just missing us?”

“Bit of both,” I say.

“How’s the shoulder?”

“Better. PT thinks I’m close.”

He raises a brow and I know he’s wondering if I’m telling the truth. “Don’t rush it.”

“I won’t.”

I mean it…I think.

I’m heading toward the back when someone calls my name.

“Stellan, you look like shit.”

I grin before I even turn. Jake Lawson stands by the counter; paramedic uniform, coffee in hand, hair still damp.

“Nice to see you too,” I say. “Thought you were nights.”

“Picked up a shift,” he says. “Couldn’t sleep.”

We lean against the counter and fall into the easy familiarity. He tells me about a call that went sideways. I tell him about PT. He asks how I’m filling my time now that I’m not crawling through burning buildings.

“I’m tutoring,” I say.

He blinks. “You’re what?”

“Tutoring,” I repeat. “Kids. Mostly one.”

Jake laughs, full and surprised. “That’s a hell of a pivot.”

“It’s good,” I say because it’s true. “There’s this little girl. She’s four. Smart as hell and observant as all get out, but she doesn’t speak.”

His smile softens. “Why not?”

“Her dad died in a fire,” I say. “Line of duty.”

Jake exhales slowly. “Yeah. That’ll do it.”

“It hits close,” I admit.

He nods, understanding without needing anything else. That’s why he’s always been one of my people.

I check the time and feel that familiar pull, the one that’s been showing up more often lately.