Episode 13

The two stayed upstairs for a while, exchanging a few words about the current situation and also about the nurse's brother, before the need to go down arose.

"You mentioned that tomorrow is your day off. How about going out a bit today? Don't stay home indulging in sadness. Take a walk, relax a little."

The nurse advised the doctor and left, leaving Dereck alone in that place. After pondering the advice he had received for a bit, Dr. Clark also went down, concluding that it was better to leave. He knew he couldn't continue at the hospital.

As he made his way to the hospital exit, Dereck spotted George, who immediately tried to look away and retreat. The situation was frustrating and embarrassing, and as he walked toward his car, he pondered how difficult it would be to have to run into George daily, knowing his actions and, worse, knowing that he hadn't suffered any punishment.

Considering this perspective, the idea of switching hospitals seemed increasingly appealing. At least this way, he wouldn't have to deal with judging looks and would avoid the discomfort of running into George and others who treated him that way.

Upon arriving home, he was greeted by Teddy, who started meowing and rubbing against his legs.

"Hi, boy, I missed you too," he said, petting his cat.

He followed his usual routine, put out food for the cat, grabbed a glass of wine, and went to his apartment window, contemplating the city below. Teddy approached again after eating, sat down, and stared at him intently.

"What is it? Do you also think this human here is pathetic?" he asked, looking at the cat, who tilted his head once and meowed again.

Dereck smiled, sat back against the glass, called his cat, petted him, and started talking to him.

"So, you think I should follow the advice of the guy at the hospital? My only company has been you. Should I be more sociable?"

Teddy moved and meowed on Dereck's lap. After taking another sip of wine, Dereck started smiling to himself.

"My God! Have we reached the point of discussing life choices with the cat? Is this what they call hitting rock bottom?"

Teddy looked at him and meowed once more, then got up and went towards the bedroom. Dereck loved his cat and wanted to believe he was helping him, so he decided to put the advice he received into practice. Instead of staying home waiting for his cat to give him an answer, he decided to get ready and go out.

While Dereck decided not to let sadness and self-pity consume him, at the fire station, Frank and the captain were having a serious conversation.

"Frank, I'll be direct in what I have to say and ask. You must already know that I called you here to talk about the incident between you and Calvin. I won't ask what led him to attack you; I believe it's something private. However, I need to know if you're going to press charges against him."

Frank's gaze fell to the floor after that question, but then he looked up again, staring firmly at the captain.

"As you said, this matter is private. I was the one who angered Calvin, and I won't be a hypocrite and say I didn't deserve it. As for the complaint, I don't want to proceed with it; I don't want to harm him."

The captain felt relieved at that answer, as he could then apply only minimal correction to Calvin.

"Will he still receive some punishment?" he asked, worried that it might cause some disturbance.

"Yes, he will be suspended for three days. As for the matter that led to all of this, I suggest you two resolve it as quickly as possible to prevent it from harming you both."

Frank thanked him and left the captain's office. He knew his superior was right and, as Hector had suggested, it was better to resolve the matter outside the station. That way, if Calvin lost control and confronted him again, at least they wouldn't be in the work environment.

Frank realized he had forgotten something in his locker and went back to get it. Calvin saw him leave the captain's office and immediately followed him, anxious to know what his punishment would be. Upon hearing what his boss had decided, Calvin was surprised to learn that Frank hadn't filed a complaint against his assault.

Calvin signed his suspension and left the room, heading for the station exit, avoiding paying attention to the men who smiled and chatted while watching him. Before he reached his motorcycle, a woman appeared in the courtyard and spoke to him.

"Excuse me! Could you tell me if the fireman Frank is still here?"

Upon hearing this question, Calvin's countenance changed. He glanced at her hand, noticing the ring, and deduced that she was Frank's fiancee.

"Yes, he's still here. Are you his fiancee?" he asked, wanting confirmation, even though the answer irritated him even more.

"That's me. I was around and decided to drop by and surprise him."

"I believe you will manage to surprise him. He should be coming soon." Calvin replied and looked towards the trucks, seeing Frank approaching them. "There he is, as I said."

Frank's heart was racing, not because of the surprise, but because he realized that Calvin was talking to his fiancee and they were both still watching him. He hadn't explained the situation to his colleague, and he feared that Calvin might end up saying too much.

Frank noticed that Calvin seemed to be saying goodbye to his fiancee, who smiled at him before he headed for his motorcycle. As soon as he got on, he was stopped once again, but this time by Hector, who came running.

"Where are you going?" he asked with some euphoria.

"I'm going home, this day has been enough," he replied, glancing in Frank's direction.

The scene Calvin witnessed was Frank approaching his fiancee, who kissed him affectionately, making Calvin clench his jaw. Before leaving the courtyard, Frank also looked at Calvin with an unreadable expression. Hector, beside him, witnessed everything and spoke without hesitation.

"No, you're not. You know what, let's go out tonight. I'm starting late tomorrow, and I imagine you got some suspension. So let's forget all this crap: that you screwed up by not telling me, that you got suspended, and that you picked the wrong guy. Calvin, some tequilas might solve the problem, at least for tonight."

Calvin thought for a moment and, in the end, agreed. He wasn't going to stop having fun and living because of Frank. Even though he was still upset, he would have to move on, and as Hector said, the tequila would help.

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