4 HOURS LATER

11:00 AM

I got another call of another emergency. This one was serious, and according to Takashi's point of view, it would need a lot of hands.

I ran over to Kaito and pleaded with him.

Me: Please Kaito! I promise to stay in the truck.

Kaito: The day hasn't ended.

Me: And lives need to be saved.

Kaito: (smirking) Since when do you care about lives?

Me: Hey. I love living; everyone else does.

Xander: Kaito, Zayla, we got to go!

Me: (smiling) See? You need my help - the rookie's help.

Kaito sighed after some time.

Kaito: Fine.

Me: Yay!

Kaito: Get in.

I ran to the truck and Xander pushed me to the front.

Me: We meet again!

Kaito: Just keep quiet...

Me: Okay, okay...

We got to the location and I went to work behind the scenes. I would not be able to get to join the rest of the team if I didn't start small, right?

As I was about to go to the back, Kaito stopped me.

Kaito: Your job is to drive the truck.

Me: (shocked) Drive? Since when?!

Kaito: Since today. Now get to work.

Me: On it.

I was now behind the wheel and ready for any direction given through my walkie-talkie.

Kaito: Zayla, can you hear me?

Me: Yes I can.

Kaito: Good, could you drive the truck closer and press the fire hose as well?

Me: Got it.

I kept my excitement in tact until the end of the mission. Following instructions, I heard a compliment from Kaito.

Me: Thank you Kaito!

I then kept busy until they returned since my job was done.

***
Me: Hello?

??: Zayla? Is this you?

Me: Zayd? Yeah, it's me. What's up?

Zayd, my parents' neighbor called for the first time. I then began to worry about them.

Me: Are my parents okay?

Zayd: Your dad is in hospital. He nearly had a heart attack.

Me: What?! Is he okay-

Zayd: You need to come urgently. What kind of a daughter are you?

I had not spoken with Zayd for a long time but his tone was so uncalled for.

Me: A daughter who works hard to the best of her ability for her parents. I am literally at work right now, and this job demands more work. I will come later, in two hours time.

Zayd: Make time! Don't be a failure to your parents.

I then dropped the call. I tried to push the fear and sadness away so as not to overwhelm the team. Kaito doesn't need to know my familial problem.

***
Kaito: Great job everyone! This was another success.

Everyone cheered and I did the same, forcing a smile.

We then drove back to the station and I went back to my seat.

Kaito: Hey Zayla!

Me: Yeah?

Kaito: You won't believe what happened while back then.

Me: Oh?

I tried to sound happy and bubbly as possible, hoping Kaito wouldn't notice.

Kaito: While we were putting out the fire, one of the residents told us a joke.

Me: Like?

Kaito: What's the difference between a firefighter and a cop?

Me: I don't know.

Kaito: weenie dog chili dog.

Me: (laughing) Okay, that is so unexpected.

Kaito: I know right?

We then fell silent. I looked out the window and my gloomy face came out.

Kaito: Are you okay, Zayla?

Me: I am fine.

Kaito: Are you sure?

Me: (smiling) I am sure! I am good, just thinking about the chores I have to do at home.

Kaito: ... (muttering) Liar.

I could hear Kaito's last words but I ignored it.

AT THE STATION

As soon as we got off and the others were celebrating, I quickly ran to Mr. Takashi's office.

Mr. Takashi: Zayla?

Me: Sir, may I please ask for a request?

Takashi: Okay.

Me: My dad had a near heart attack and is in hospital. May I please ask for 3 days off. I promise to be back by Monday.

Takashi: Okay. 3 days it is.

Me: Thank you sir!

I went out of the office and headed for my locker. Taking my bag, I ran out of the station, not saying goodbye to anyone; not Kaito.

Kaito's POV

Zayla was not herself and although she didn't want to admit, I knew something was on her mind - unrelated to chores.

She ran out the office and soon, out of the station. I wondered why she couldn't say goodbye. Did something happen?