“Get a move Zayla!”

“I am coming!”

I was rushing out to meet Kaito to the fire truck when I met his disappointed expression on his face. It has been a week since I started working in the fire station. Not only was I accompanying him to rescues but he also dragged me along at the last minute.

Kaito: You are late. Again.

Me: I am sorry.

Kaito: How do you not get ready for a rescue mission?

Me: You drag me along at the last minute!

Kaito: Anyway, hop in.

He got to the driver’s side while I hopped into the passenger seat. Before he started the truck, he handed me a device.

Kaito: We need to know the location of the fire.

Me: Got it.

I then used my tech skills and helped Kaito with directions.

Kaito: Are you sure this is the right direction?

Me: I can always take control of the steering wheel if you want.

Kaito: Hey. I was simply asking.

Me: Yes they are.

In the next few minutes, we could see the smoke coming from one of the buildings. I turned on my walkie-talkie as we got out. I was about to get my equipment when Kaito stopped me.

Me: What for? Don’t you need me here?

Kaito: Stay in the truck. The screens are inside, I will put the truck on auto-drive.

Me: Hey! Who says I can’t help?!

Kaito: You are a newbie. You need experience.

Me: I have a lot of experience.

Kaito: Zayla, stop arguing with me right now and do as I instructed.

With a sigh, I gave him my walkie-talkie and headed inside the truck. I never thought the trucks I always used to see had such high tech. I turned on the second walkie-talkie that was in the truck, which connected us to the entire team.

Xavier: Have you arrived at the scene, Kaito? Over.

The team consisted of males, so I was often considered inferior.

Me: Kaito and I are on the scene, over.

Xavier: How bad is the situation Zayla? Over.

I sent a drone to record the scene, which was automatically screen-shared to the team.

Me: Half of the building has been burned down. The firefighters at work have managed to put out the fire. Over.

Xavier: Thanks for the update Zayla, call us if more help is needed. Over.

Me: Thanks Xavier, will do. Over.

It always felt nice to be recognized; Xavier made sure of that. A part of me wanted to go see what it is like to see firefighters like Kaito in action, but I refrained. Kaito would not be happy about that.

30 MINUTES LATER

Me: High five!

Kaito: (confused) What for?

Me: Come on! No injuries and deaths! That’s something to celebrate, right?

Kaito reluctantly high-fived me. I then came out and wanted to go to the driver’s seat when Kaito threw his jacket on me.

Me: Hey!

Kaito: You haven’t reached that level yet.

Me: (smiling) But soon I will be.

He then flicked my forehead as he hopped into the truck and drove away.

Kaito: You are funny Zayla…