Chapter Text
Captain Maya Bishop’s mind was racing as the team sped toward Grey Sloan Memorial. There had been a blast at the reproductive clinic, and her wife, Carina, was there. She tried calling, texting, anything but she couldn’t get through. Each moment of silence only added to her growing panic.
“What if she’s hurt? What if Maya shook her head, trying to force the thoughts away, but they kept creeping in. The usual calm and confident firefighter was nowhere to be found.
Her hands trembled as she gripped the phone desperately waiting for any news. The sirens blared in the background, matching the frantic beat of her heart.
The engine roared down the streets of Seattle, lights flashing as the team raced toward Grey Sloan Memorial. Every second felt like an eternity. Maya Bishop sat rigidly in her seat, her jaw clenched tight, eyes fixed ahead. Her mind swirled with images of the explosion at the reproductive clinic and the horrifying possibility of what she might find there.
Carina was there. And Maya couldn’t get through to her.
“Bishop, you with me?” Andy’s voice broke through the tense silence, snapping Maya out of her spiral.
Maya forced a nod, though the panic in her chest only tightened. She could feel her pulse in her throat, the fear clawing at her with every passing second. Her team, 19, was prepared for anything—but this was different. This was personal. This was Carina.
As they neared the hospital, the wreckage became visible. Smoke billowed from the clinic, and emergency personnel were already on the scene. The clinic’s front windows were shattered, debris scattered across the ground, and people were being evacuated. Screams and chaos filled the air, but all Maya could focus on was getting inside.
“Alright, we move in as soon as we assess the structure,” Andy instructed, keeping her voice steady. “We clear the area first, then search and rescue. Everyone stick to protocol.”
Maya barely heard the words. The second the truck stopped, she was out of her seat, sprinting toward the clinic doors. Protocol be damned.
“Maya!” Andy called after her, but Maya didn’t stop. She couldn’t. She had one mission—find Carina. Nothing else mattered.
Flames licked at the edges of the clinic, and the heat hit her full force as she approached the wreckage. Two paramedics attempted to block her path.
“Ma’am, you can’t go in there—it’s not safe!” one of them warned, stepping in front of her.
But Maya’s eyes were wild with desperation. “My wife is in there!” she shouted, pushing past them before they could stop her. “I need to find her!”
The paramedics called after her, but Maya was already gone, running into the flames.
Inside, the destruction was worse. Smoke filled the air, and the heat was suffocating. Walls had crumbled, and the floor was littered with rubble. The clinic, a place meant to bring hope and healing, was now unrecognizable—a maze of fire and debris.
Maya’s heart pounded in her ears as she navigated the wreckage. She called Carina’s name, over and over, her voice hoarse and desperate. The sound of cracking wood and falling debris was deafening, but she didn’t care. She had to keep moving.
“Maya!” Vic’s voice echoed from behind her, closer now. “You can’t be in here—it's not stable!” and go and get your mask. Please captain.
But Maya didn’t stop. She couldn’t stop. She dodged falling beams, her firefighter instincts battling against her fear as the building groaned around her. She was running on adrenaline, her entire body moving on autopilot as she pushed through the smoke and chaos.
Then she heard it—a faint voice.
“Maya…”
Her heart nearly stopped. It was Carina.
“Carina! Babe, I’m coming!” Maya screamed, running toward the sound. Her boots crunched over shattered glass and burning debris, but she didn’t slow down. She rounded a corner, and there—through the haze of smoke—she saw her.
Carina was trapped beneath a collapsed section of ceiling, a beam pinning her leg to the floor. Her face was pale, her breathing labored.
“No… no, no, no,” Maya whispered, rushing to her side. She dropped to her knees, her hands trembling as she tried to assess the situation.
Carina looked up at her, eyes glassy but relieved. Bambina… you found me…”
“I’m here, I’m here,” Maya breathed, her voice cracking. She glanced up, seeing the flames creeping closer, the building continuing to crumble around them. “I’m going to get you out of here, okay? I promise.”
“Maya, the fire—” Carina started, but Maya shook her head.
“Don’t. I’m getting you out.”
Jack cursed under his breath when he got to the scene but moved to help. “Okay, we lift on three. One, two, three!”
Together, they lifted the beam, grunting with the effort. Carina gasped as her leg and body was freed, and Maya quickly scooped her into her arms, ignoring the searing pain in her muscles. She could feel the heat of the fire growing, the smoke choking the air, but she didn’t stop.
“Maya, go!” Vic urged, helping clear a path as the flames closed in.
Maya didn’t need to be told twice. With Carina clutched tightly in her arms, she ran, faster than she ever had, dodging falling debris as the clinic crumbled around them. The exit loomed ahead, the daylight streaming through the smoke.
Finally, with one last burst of strength, they made it out. The cool air hit Maya’s face like a wave, and she collapsed onto the pavement, Carina still cradled in her arms.
Carina groaned in pain as her body protested the movement. Every breath she took was labored, and Maya could see the agony etched across her face as she gently placed her wife onto the gurney. Carina winced, her hand clutching Maya's arm with what little strength she had left.
“Shh, I’ve got you,” Maya whispered, her voice shaking. Tears blurred her vision, but she blinked them away, refusing to let Carina see her panic. “You’re going to be okay.”
A team of doctors from Grey Sloan rushed forward, surrounding the gurney. Dr. Owen Hunt led the charge, his expression intense but calm as he quickly assessed Carina’s condition. “We need to get her to trauma now!” he barked to the team, his hands already working to stabilize her.
Maya tried to stay by Carina’s side, her hand gripping tightly to Carina’s, but the paramedics and doctors gently pulled her back.
“Maya…” Carina’s voice was barely above a whisper, her eyes fluttering as she struggled to keep them open. Don’t… leave…
“I’m right here,” Maya promised, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m not going anywhere.”
But she was forced to take a step back as the medical team started their work, checking Carina’s vitals, setting up IVs, and preparing her for transport into the hospital. The sounds of monitors beeping and urgent voices surrounded them, and Maya felt like she was drowning in the chaos.
Suddenly, her legs gave out, and Maya slumped onto the pavement. A paramedic was at her side in an instant, pressing an oxygen mask over her face. She hadn’t realized how badly the smoke had affected her until that moment—her lungs were burning, and every breath felt like it was ripping through her chest.
“Bishop, you need oxygen,” Andy said firmly. “You’ve been in the smoke too long.”
Maya wanted to fight it, wanted to tear the mask off and stay with Carina, but her body wouldn’t listen. She felt lightheaded, the adrenaline fading now that Carina was in the hands of the doctors. Her body was finally catching up to the toll the rescue had taken.
From her place on the ground, Maya watched as the gurney carrying Carina was wheeled toward the hospital doors. Carina’s hand weakly reached out toward her, and Maya tried to stand, but the paramedic held her down.
“You’ll be able to see her once she’s stabilized,” warren assured her, adjusting the oxygen mask to make sure Maya was breathing steadily. “But right now, you need to take care of yourself, too. Captain.
Maya’s heart ached as she watched the doctors wheel Carina away, her wife’s form becoming smaller in the distance. She fought the urge to tear off the mask and run after them, but her body was too weak, too worn out from the fire and the fear.
Her hand clenched into a fist against the pavement, her mind racing with the same thought, over and over.
Please, let her be okay.
The sound of her own breathing echoed through the mask, and everything around her became a blur of activity—paramedics, firefighters, the chaos of the scene. But all Maya could focus on was Carina, her heart tethered to her wife even as the hospital doors closed behind her.
Maya sat in the hospital waiting room, her leg bouncing nervously as she stared at the clock. Each second felt like an eternity, the sterile smell of the hospital surrounding her. Her thoughts raced, and she kept replaying the moment she found Carina in the clinic, pinned beneath the debris. The sight of her in so much pain haunted her. She needed answers.
Just then, Amelia Shepherd appeared in the doorway, her expression serious but calm. Maya immediately stood up, her stomach tightening with dread.
“Amelia,” Maya said, her voice shaky. “How is she? Is Carina okay?”
Amelia took a deep breath and gestured for Maya to sit down. The heaviness in her eyes made Maya’s heart sink. “Maya, we need to talk.”
Maya’s breath caught in her throat as she sat back down, gripping the edge of her seat. “Tell me.”
Amelia sat across from her, hands folded, her voice steady and professional, though filled with compassion. “Carina sustained significant trauma during the explosion. The debris that fell on her caused a severe spinal cord injury. We’ve stabilized her for now, but… Maya, the damage to her spine is extensive.”
Maya’s throat tightened. “What does that mean? What are you saying?”
Amelia sighed softly, her medical expertise taking over as she explained the situation. “The impact caused a fracture to several vertebrae in her lower back—specifically the lumbar spine. Unfortunately, the trauma compressed her spinal cord at L1, which is the region responsible for transmitting signals to her lower body. Because of this, we’re seeing significant neural damage.”
Maya shook her head, trying to make sense of it. “So, what are you saying about her… about walking? Is she going to recover?”
Amelia’s face softened, and she leaned forward slightly, trying to keep her tone gentle but honest. “Maya, I know this is hard to hear, but with the extent of the spinal cord damage, there’s a high probability that Carina may never walk again. The spinal cord doesn’t heal the same way as other parts of the body. We’re already seeing signs of paralysis in her lower extremities.”
The words hit Maya like a punch to the gut. “No… No, there has to be something. Surgery, therapy… something.” Her voice wavered, desperate for a lifeline.
“We’ll do everything we can,” Amelia assured her, her voice firm yet compassionate. “Right now, our goal is to prevent further damage and make sure she’s stable. There are some surgical options that might help reduce the pressure on her spine, but in terms of regaining full mobility… Maya, the likelihood is very slim.”
Maya felt like the ground had disappeared beneath her feet. Her mind raced, refusing to accept the possibility. “You’re saying she’ll never walk again,” she whispered, her voice breaking.
Amelia nodded slowly, her expression filled with empathy. “In most cases like this, patients lose the ability to walk. There’s a possibility of partial recovery, but it’s rare. We’ll start her on a rehabilitation plan that focuses on maximizing her independence, but the reality is… the damage is permanent.”
Maya leaned back in her chair, the weight of Amelia’s words crushing her. Her chest felt tight, her breaths shallow as she struggled to comprehend the enormity of it. Carina might never walk again.
“She’s strong, Maya,” Amelia said softly, reaching out to place a comforting hand on her arm. “She’ll need your strength, too. This is going to be a long road—physically and emotionally.”
Tears welled up in Maya’s eyes, and she swallowed hard, trying to keep it together. She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “What… What happens now?”
“We’ll monitor her closely over the next few hours to ensure there’s no further swelling or complications,” Amelia explained. “Once she’s stable, we’ll work with a team of neurologists and physical therapists to plan out her recovery. But for now, it’s important to prepare for the reality that her life and your life together will change.”
Maya could barely breathe as Amelia spoke. The future she had imagined with their plans, their dreams now seemed to unravel before her eyes. But in the midst of her devastation, one thing was clear: Carina needed her, and she would be there, no matter what.
Maya sat in the waiting room, Amelia’s words still echoing in her mind: Carina may never walk again. The shock, fear, and heartbreak were overwhelming, but Maya knew she had to stay strong—for Carina, for their family. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, knowing what she had to do next.
"Andy, I need you to bring Liam and Andrea from my mom’s place," Maya said, her words measured. “They need to be here. They need to hear about Carina from me before anyone else says something.”
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line. Andy, who had just dropped the kids off earlier, immediately understood the gravity in Maya’s voice.
“Of course,” Andy replied gently. “I’ll go get them now.”
Maya sighed in relief, her grip tightening on the phone. “Thank you. I just… I don’t want them hearing rumors or getting scared. They need to know what’s happening before anyone else starts talking.”
“I get it,” Andy said softly. “They’ll be with you soon. I’ll bring them straight to the hospital.”
Maya closed her eyes for a moment, bracing herself for what was to come. She hated the idea of having to sit down with Liam and Andrea and tell them about Carina’s injury. They were young, and their world was about to be turned upside down. But she knew it had to be her. They needed to hear the truth from someone who loved Carina as much as they did, and Maya wasn’t going to let anyone else break that news.
“I’ll be here when you get back,” Maya said, her voice barely holding steady.
Andy hesitated for a second, sensing Maya’s pain. “Maya, we’re going to get through this. Carina’s going to get through this.”
Maya nodded even though Andy couldn’t see her. “I hope so,” she whispered before hanging up.
When Andy returned with Liam and Andrea, Maya’s heart tightened at the sight of them. Her mom, Katherine, had come along too, and as soon as she saw Maya, Katherine pulled her into a tight hug. The comfort of her mother’s embrace was brief but grounding. Katherine didn’t say much, but her presence was enough—a reminder that Maya wasn’t alone, even though it felt like her world was falling apart.
After the hug, Maya looked down at Liam, her nine-year-old, and Andrea, her baby girl, only eight. Liam stood tall, sensing the tension in the air, his face set in a determined, worried expression that was far too mature for his age. Andrea, on the other hand, clung to Maya’s leg, her small hands shaking as she looked up at her mother with wide, scared eyes.
“Hey, you two,” Maya said softly, kneeling down to their level. She reached out to gently touch their arms, trying to steady herself, even though she felt like she was about to break apart. “We need to sit down and talk.”
They followed her to a nearby bench, and Maya sat between them, her arms around their small shoulders. Katherine stood a few steps away with Andy, giving Maya space but ready to step in if she needed them. Maya glanced at both of her children, taking a deep breath as she prepared herself for the hardest conversation she’d ever have to have.
“Mamma very sick,” Maya began, keeping her voice calm and steady, though inside, she was barely holding it together. “There was an accident at the clinic where she was today. She got hurt, and the doctors are taking care of her right now.”
Liam’s brow furrowed, his lips pressed together in a tight line. He didn’t ask any questions, but Maya could see the worry in his eyes. He was always the one to try and be strong, like his mom.
Andrea, though, looked up at Maya with tears already welling in her eyes. “Is Mamma going to be okay?” Her voice was small, trembling.
Maya’s heart ached. She wanted to tell them everything would be fine, that Carina would walk out of the hospital like nothing happened. But she couldn’t lie to them. They deserved the truth, even if it was hard to hear.
“She’s hurt very badly,” Maya explained, her voice thick with emotion. “The doctors are doing everything they can to help her, but her back her spine is damaged. That might mean that… Mamma might not be able to walk again.”
Andrea’s face crumpled at the words, and she immediately buried her face in Maya’s chest, sobbing. “No, no, no!” she cried, her small body shaking as she clung to her mother. “I don’t want her to be hurt, Mom! I don’t want her to be sick!”
Maya’s own tears brimmed at the surface, but she held them back for Andrea’s sake, stroking her hair and whispering soothing words. “I know, baby, I know. I don’t want her to be hurt either.” She kissed the top of Andrea’s head, holding her tightly as her daughter sobbed into her shirt. “But we’re going to be there for her, and we’re going to help her through this, okay?”
Meanwhile, Liam sat next to them, silent. His eyes were wet, but he was holding back, trying to stay strong in front of his sister. Maya could see the weight he was carrying, though, the way he clenched his hands together in his lap.
“You don’t have to be strong all the time, Liam,” Maya said gently, reaching for his hand. “It’s okay to be scared.”
Liam shook his head slightly but then looked down, his voice low and steady. “Is she going to die, Mom?”
The question hit Maya like a punch in the chest. She took a deep breath, fighting to keep her voice from breaking. “No, sweetheart, she’s not going to die. The doctors are taking good care of her. She’s alive, and we’re going to make sure she gets through this, but things might be different for a while.”
Liam swallowed hard, his expression wavering. “Will she still be able to play with us? Like, like before?”
Maya’s heart broke a little more. She squeezed his hand tightly. “We’re going to figure all of that out. Momma will still be with us, and we’ll find new ways to do things together, even if it’s different. But she’ll need us to help her get better.”
Andrea’s sobs quieted a little, though she still clung to Maya’s side, her face streaked with tears. “I don’t want things to be different,” she whispered. “I just want her to be okay.”
Maya kissed her again, her own tears now falling freely. “I know, sweetheart. I want that too. But we’re going to get through this together, okay? We’re a family, and we’ll be there for Mamma every step of the way.”
As she held both of her children close, Maya realized how much strength it would take to guide them through the coming days, weeks, and months. But for Carina, for Liam and Andrea, she would find that strength no matter how broken she felt inside.
Maya held Liam and Andrea’s hands as they made their way down the hallway toward Carina’s room. The beeping of machines, the sterile smell of the hospital, and the tension in the air made each step feel heavier than the last. She could feel Andrea’s tiny hand shaking in hers, while Liam stayed quiet, his face set with a mixture of worry and determination.
When they reached Carina’s room, Maya paused for a moment, gathering the strength she needed before pushing the door open. She wasn’t sure how the kids would react, but she knew they needed to see their mom, even in this condition. Slowly, they stepped inside.
Carina lay in the hospital bed, her body still beneath the blankets, her face pale against the white sheets. Tubes and wires were connected to her, an IV in her arm, and a monitor next to the bed beeped steadily, tracking her heart rate. A neck brace supported her, and her lower body was carefully immobilized to prevent any further damage to her spine.
Maya felt her chest tighten at the sight of her wife like this so vulnerable, so still. She had been prepared for it, but seeing Carina in this state was a different kind of heartbreak. She swallowed hard, fighting back the tears that threatened to overwhelm her. She had to be strong for Liam and Andrea.
“Mamma…” Andrea’s voice was barely a whisper as she looked at her mother, her big eyes wide with fear. Her little body trembled, and Maya could feel her grip tighten.
“It’s okay, baby,” Maya whispered, kneeling down beside her daughter. “She’s here, and she can hear us. We can talk to her.” She stroked Andrea’s hair, trying to comfort her, though her own heart ached deeply.
Liam stepped forward, his eyes locked on Carina’s still form. He hesitated for a moment, then slowly moved to the side of the bed. His small hand reached out, and he gently took Carina’s hand in his, holding it carefully, like he was afraid of hurting her.
Andrea stayed frozen by Maya’s side, her bottom lip trembling. She didn’t make a sound at first, but then the tears started to silently stream down her cheeks. She couldn’t stop them, and she buried her face in Maya’s arm, her small body shaking with quiet sobs.
Maya pulled Andrea close, holding her tightly. “It’s okay to cry,” she whispered into her daughter’s hair, trying to hold back her own tears as she comforted her. “Mamma’s going to need all our love, okay? She’s fighting to get better, and we’re going to help her through this.”
Andrea nodded weakly against her mother’s chest, still crying softly. Her tiny shoulders shook with the weight of her fear and sadness, and Maya’s heart broke for her. No eight-year-old should have to see their mother like this.
Meanwhile, Liam stayed by Carina’s side, holding her hand with a strength beyond his years. He didn’t cry, but Maya could see the way his lips trembled and the tightness in his jaw as he tried to be strong. His gaze never left Carina’s face, his fingers gently squeezing her hand.
“Mamma, it’s me. It’s Liam,” he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “I know you can’t talk right now, but …He took a deep breath, trying to hold it together. “I love you, Mamma.”
Maya’s heart swelled with pride and sorrow all at once, watching her son care for Carina in the only way he knew how. She moved closer, still holding Andrea, and placed her hand on Liam’s shoulder, giving him a reassuring squeeze.
“Mamma knows we’re here,” Maya whispered. “She knows how much we love her.”
Carina’s chest rose and fell steadily with the help of the machines, her body still, but Maya hoped with everything in her that Carina could hear them that she knew they were right beside her. That they were all waiting for her to come back to them.
Liam stayed by her side, his hand wrapped around his mother’s. Andrea’s quiet sobs filled the room, and Maya pulled her children close, holding them both as they navigated this moment together. The fear and uncertainty hung heavy in the air, but they were a family, and they would face it all together no matter what.