Against the Flames Part II

Frank returned home as soon as his shift was over. It was about a quarter past twelve in the morning. Frank crept in slowly and quietly so Claire wouldn't wake up. As he got through the door and into the living room, the lights went on. Frank's wife, Christine, stood next to the light switch glaring at Frank.1

"Hey honey-" Frank started, but was cut off.2

"Don't honey me Frank!" Christine said.3

"I take it you saw the news?" Frank asked4

Christine proceeded to glare at Frank. "You could say that." Christine said.5

"Look Christine. This is my job. I never said it wasn't going to be dangerous. I completely understand why you worry. But I am OK. I made it out of the building, and saved someones life. So, let's not worry about it anymore." Frank was hoping that the look on Christine's face would fade, but it didn't. 6

Christine started walking toward Frank. She was about five feet tall. That was about eleven inches shorter than Frank. He always liked her shortness though. As she walked toward him, her red hair was sprawled out over her shoulders swaying back and forth. Watching his wife walk over to him, although he knew she was mad, he couldn't help but smile inside. She was beautiful, inside and out. He couldn't stop thinking about how he wouldn't be who he is today without her. 7

Christine reached her husband and put both of her hands on his shoulders. "I know you're OK. However, that doesn't mean that I still can't get worried or upset over what you're doing." Frank saw her beautiful blue eyes start to swell up with tears. "I love you Frank. Your daughter loves you. I don't know what Claire and I would do without you. I saw that building on the news tonight. It was a pretty bad fire. And then to see you running out of it was terrible. I didn't even know you were in there. It's just scary to think about. I don't want to know what I'll do if you don't come out one day." A tear slipped down Christine's face, leaving a trail of salt behind. 8

Frank, not knowing what to say, gave his wife a kiss. "I love you too Christine. You are everything to me. I don't know what I would do without you either. But this is still my job. I saved that woman's life today. That brings me up to nine lives."9

Frank joined the fire department five years earlier. In that time he had saved the life of nine individuals. Frank tries to keep himself from thinking about the three people he was unable to save.10

Christine looked into Frank's eyes. "I know honey, I know. Just...promise me something. Well....not just me. Promise your daughter and me. Promise us, you will be careful." Christine let another two tears fall down her face. 11

Frank knew he couldn't promise them that he wouldn't die. But he knew he could promise to be careful. That's what he's always done, and doesn't plan on changing a thing. "Of course. I promise I will be as careful as I can be."12

Christine and Frank kissed again. He then swept her off her feet, took her into the bedroom and made love to his wife for the last time.13