I ran home as fast as I could, I saw the smoke going up into the night. when I turned the corner I was stopped by police "that's my family inside" I pushed past the police and saw three bodies under three white blankets. when I look at my wife's hand I saw her wedding band on her finger. I fell to my knees and cried not only did I lose my home but my family.
I woke up in a cold sweat, my body shacking from the memory of my family's death. It had been one year since their death and I still couldn't bring myself too believe it. I walked into my bathroom and splashed cold water on my face to help me calm down. I look at the time to see it's only five in the morning and I didn't have to be at work today and seems I'm not going back to sleep any time soon I might as well go make me some breakfast. I had poured myself a cup of black coffee into my favorite mug. I was sitting at my kitchen island scrolling on my phone just to past the time. I heard a knock at my door but I decided not to answer it and that it might go away but oh I was wrong to think it would go away. When I opened it I saw one of my best friends and partner Caleb standing there "took you long enough" he just pushed his way in "come in why don't you" I closed the door and made my way to the kitchen. He was stealing my cup of coffee "you don't mind right" I just got out a new mug and poured myself a new cup. He took a seat at the island "so you coming into work today" I look at the clock on the wall "I didn't think I was aloud back yet" he just shack's his head "chief wants, no needs you back" I knew he just wants me to come back "tomorrow is one year since their death and the person who lit the fire still hasn't been caught" I drink more of my coffee "come on man you're coming to work and we'll have a workout in the gym that's at work" I couldn't fight him because he'll always win. I had learned that the hard way that he'll always win and if he loses, he'll turn it into a competition. I hated that he knows what I need because I don't even know what I need. I was watching him lift weights while I was on the treadmills. I had my ear pods in so I couldn't hear chief walk into the gym. I felt the treadmill get turned off so I look at who turned it off. It was chief "good to have you back son" he stretched out his arm "good to be back chief" I shock his hand. he let go of my hand "go take a shower and get ready for morning briefing" I did as I was told to do. I had gotten my cup from Caleb's hand and we were walking to the briefing room "what's the briefing about today" we slowed down are paste "chief's getting a new guy on truck for you and he's coming today" we got to the doors "but chief wants a meeting with all lieutenants and captains" I hated my rank because it means that I've done something but anyone of us would have done it. I took my seat on the opposite side of the room "ok I called this meeting to welcome back captain stone back to his seat on truck" there was around of applause before chief spoke again "anyway you all know that truck and squad haven't got full men crew. So today that stops here, today truck and squad will both be having full crews. That's all yous can go back to business" we all left the meeting room. I was sitting in my office when I got a knock on my door. I had to look up from my paperwork "hi captain stone I'm you need truck candidate Jim" I pulled out a photo "this is who you are replacing the only reason you work under me is because I let this truck candidate go because he didn't listen to me. So I'm going to make myself clear if you don't listen to me you're off my truck" he just stood there like an idiot "did you copy that" he nodded his head "go, now go get the rest of truck and set up some drills and I'll be out there soon." he had left my office and I took a seat at my desk "wow haven't seen you like that since Randy join truck" I look up at Caleb "I know my place and they need to know their place because if one person isn't in the right place the whole team while fall apart." I put my pen down "still just take it easy by the way Matthew is looking for you" I didn't want to deal with him not today "he said he wants to spend some time together" I rolled my eyes at Caleb "thanks for letting me know so I can avoid him" Caleb laughed and walked away.
I was standing outside watching my men do the drills that they had set up. I wasn't paying attention to other people around me "why aren't you doing this" I look to see Matthew standing there "hey Matty, I'm just not doing them because I've already done my daily work out." I felt a slap on my arm "I wish I could have seen you all sweety" I had a little laugh to myself "please come have dinner with me some night ok" I just nodded my head. Before he could leave my the hell alone he kissed my cheek and it brought up old memories of my family.