Please trust me, I’m fine.” My eyes were watering as I looked at the paramedic. My best friend was laid out on a cot with EMTs working overtime to make sure she was okay. The guy who’d saved me was not even out of the building. How could I concentrate on me? I had to be there for them. The paramedic glared back at me. I think he saw I was seriously concerned for the others. He eased up a bit and said, “Okay, okay. Take a few more intakes of oxygen. Let me check your vitals, and then I can release you. I don’t mean to sound insensitive, but you can’t do anyone any good if you’re ill.” Looking at his badge, I saw his last name was Grayson. Mr. Grayson, who seemed like he never smiled, had a point. Though I hated taking care of myself, after I breathed more into the mask, I felt ten times better. When he gave me the all-clear, he proved me wrong and grinned just a tad. “I’m glad you’re okay.” I thanked him and then rushed over to Teddi’s side. I couldn’t get that close because they were putting her in the ambulance.
