The breath from my lungs is laborious, as I climb yet another flight of stairs.
The weight of my oxygen tank on my back feels heavier than I remember.
Yet, another obstacle awaits me, blocking my path, testing my decision making and fitness.
Lying flat to the ground, I shimmy under the fallen debris, then make my way to the side of the tall tower. I freeze momentarily, as I look at the slumped dummies that sit in the corner waiting to be rescued.
This is not just a test of my physical abilities, but also my mental strength.
Fighting against the memory which has haunted my existence for over a year, I move quickly, swallowing the lump that has formed in my throat, and pick up the dummy of the child cradling it into my arms, as I make my way back down the training tower, navigating the obstacles once more, then run out the door, and over the finish line.
The instructor clicks his stopwatch, before looking at me, he remains silent, but as his eyes lock with mine, he gives me a simple nod.
Pulling the mask from my face, I gasp slightly for fresh air. Sweat drips down my forehead, from under the yellow helmet, as the call for the next firefighter is made and the stopwatch reset.
“Bishop, go get changed, you are up with the doc next.”
The instructor gives me the order, not even bothering to look me in the eye.
Read the complete episode to find out more thanksss....
Saved By The Firefighter Novel Synopsis
