episode 1 – smoldering emotionsA four-alarm fire sends the neighborhood into chaos that melds two hearts together.
A four-alarm fire sends the neighborhood into chaos that melds two hearts together.
Meant to Live
SOME couples unite after earnestly seeking ideal companionship. Other unions are the result of serendipity. Jeremiah and Molly are thrust together by circumstances beyond their control.
Amidst the chaos of the roaring four-alarm fire, Jeremiah, a seasoned firefighter, races to the scene. Thick black smoke billows from the burning house as flames lick up powerful streams of water. Through the cacophony of sirens and shouting, a coughing cry for help pierces the air from an upstairs window.
After ascending an extension ladder, he pulls out the limp body of a young woman in a soot-covered nightgown. On the ground, paramedics rush her to a local hospital, while the firefighters continue battling the blaze until the black smoke becomes puffy white clouds.
Back at the fire station, Jeremiah’s team restores a glistening shine to the red truck while his four-day shift ends. As the sun sets, its orange hues kindle an unexplainable fire within his soul.
Meant to Visit
Before going home, he checks on the woman at the hospital. This new facility includes many relaxing paintings. Yet, the beeping of monitors and voices over the intercom does not compare with a quiet rest at home.
Molly thanks the handsome uniformed man standing over her recovery bed. Although downplaying his role by attributing it to his job, they both could sense that this act formed an unforgettable bond.
“I’m glad you’re all right,” Jeremiah says with curiosity about the fire’s origin. “You’ve no doubt gone over the details with investigators. When you feel like talking, I can offer a listening ear.”
Her eyes dart around the room, looking past him as if anticipating imminent danger. “Thanks. I’d like that—when the time comes. Right now, it’s good to have someone show an interest.”
“You must need a place to stay.” He asks, “Is there anyone I can call?”
Molly reaches for a tissue from the hospital nightstand to dab her eyes before responding, “I lost my mother to cancer five years ago. My father… he died in the fire.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Look, when the doctor discharges you, I can spring for a hotel until you sort things out.”
“You’ve done so much already. I don’t want to be a burden,” her voice trembling with the fear of becoming dependent upon a stranger without a clear motive.
“It’s my job to help people. Let me do this for you. Here’s my number. Try to get some rest, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
In his car, before starting the engine, Jeremiah thinks about all the people he has saved in the line of duty. Most have expressed appreciation, but none have moved him to respond so emotionally.
Meant to Help
Jeremiah’s heart sinks when he returns the next day to discover that Molly has already been discharged.
His heart quickens. “Where'd she go?” he asks, knowing her building is uninhabitable.
The nurse replies, “She left no other address, but seemed anxious to get away.”
Jeremiah paces the hospital reception floor, his mind racing. He pulls out his phone and checks his messages. His inbox is empty, no missed calls or texts from Molly.
“Come on, Molly,” he whispers, scrolling through his call history. The lack of any message makes his stomach churn with worry.
In his car, he drives around the facility and then looks at the bus benches. A frail brunette catches his attention. As he pulls over, she steps onto the bus. Jeremiah follows until she exits, but it’s not Molly. After his futile efforts, he goes home.
While lying on his bed, reliving the evening, an incoming call with an unfamiliar number lights up his eyes.
“Hello? Hello, who’s this?” he asks anxiously.
“Hello, Jeremiah? Is that you?”
“Yes! Molly, where… I mean, how are you?”
“I’m okay… kind of. My phone didn’t make it through the fire, and, well, I had to get this new one. I really need a place to stay.”
“Text me your location. I’ll be right over.” He leaps out of bed, grabbing his keys. The exhaustion of the day evaporates, replaced by a surge of urgency and relief.
Jeremiah’s heart races as he sees Molly standing by the phone store, looking lost and vulnerable. His chest tightens with a mix of relief and budding affection, wondering how to protect and support her.
He asks, “Are you hungry?”
“Yes, but… if you don’t mind, I’d like to get something to wear… other than these donated rags the hospital gave me.”
They go shopping with Jeremiah, offering opinions on the best outfits. After loading his trunk, they head to a cozy café to satisfy Molly’s rapacious appetite.
“I don’t normally eat like a pig. This is so much better than the hospital food.”
“Eat as much and as quickly as you want. I’m glad you enjoy it. Drink some water to keep hydrated.”
As they talk over dinner, he finds himself hanging on her every word. He is eager to learn more about the woman who has unwittingly captured his heart.
“About the hotel… don’t put yourself out,” Molly humbly remarks. “Any fleabag motel will do. There’s a little money in my bank account, so I’ll be fine.”
“I’m here to help in any way I can,” Jeremiah assures. “Right now, that means getting you a comfortable place to lay your head down at night, not a fleabag motel. Let me pay the bill here, and then we can see which hotels have vacancies.”
She refuses to stay in the fancy hotel he first shows her. The next one, of more modest decor that serves morning breakfasts, is more to her liking. When he helps her up to the more plush room, Jeremiah doesn’t want this to be their final encounter.
“Hey, Molly. You no doubt have a thousand things running through your mind. I want to give you space. At the same time, please don’t push me away as a resource. Call me anytime. I have two more days off before working another four-day shift.”
“That’s good to know.” She gives him a tentative embrace, her touch lingering awkwardly as she murmurs, “Thanks… Thanks for everything.” The simple gesture ignites a cauldron of emotions within both of them, a complex mix of gratitude, fear, and something deeper they cannot yet define.
Continued…
Return twice weekly for miniseries. Use of this material for generative training or republication in any format without authorization is prohibited. Any relation to actual persons or events is coincidental. Login provides the most immersive experience. About 4600 total words. Cinematic materials are available with ClinicalNovellas Cinematic membership. Story includes one or more generative AI images to help readers visualize scenes.
