YELLOWJACKET - CH.12: SAVIOR

 

Now that I was cleared to return to work, I was at the station with the rest of the crew, back to business. While I tried to resume my normal routine, throughout my day I was repeatedly interrupted by everyone checking in on me.

“Gotta say, Herrera, you’re made of tougher stuff than I thought,” said Liam as I was inspecting the apparatus. “Me and the guys were taking bets to see if you’d croak— now guess who’s out twenty bucks?”

On the way to a call, Rob later clarified that this never happened. “Liam’s just being an asshole. He’s only saying that to sound like he wasn’t worried. We’re all glad to see you back, ese.”

“That really was some scary shit back there,” DeShawn mentioned when we were in the gym. “Try and take it easy, man. Not too easy, though— you know Chief hates slackers!”

When I was in the middle of mopping the hallway, Heather came up from behind and ruffled my hair. “You’re finally back! Thank God— now the collective IQ of the station can be higher than room temperature again.”

Even Chief Cormorant appreciated my return, flashing a rare smile when he’d caught me passing by. “Good to see you back, Herrera. But you’ll be more careful next time, won’t you?”

In reply, all I did was smile, simply grateful that my absence was missed more than it was enjoyed. I might not have been close to anyone in particular, but I appreciated that they cared at all.

( ☼ continue )