Page 3 of Rescue My Heart

She planted her feet just at the edge, toes peeking over the abyss, and looked down. Her pulse quickened as the reality of the task set in. Twenty feet didn’t sound like much when they explained it, but staring into the void below made it feel like an eternity.

The director’s voice echoed behind her. “Alright, Mazey, we’re rolling. Take your time, and show us that fear, that hesitation before you go for it. And when you’re ready, start the climb.”

Mazey took another deep breath, her knuckles white as she gripped the harness’s rope. This was it. No turning back. Sheforced her mind to settle, to focus only on the moment, the camera, and the performance she had to give.

One step at a time, she told herself. You’ve got this.

Mazey inched her way down the cliff, her heart racing at first, but after a few careful steps, she started to feel secure. The harness was tight, the rope sturdy. The nerves that had been gnawing at her earlier began to fade. She was in the role now, her body moving with newfound confidence. This wasn’t so bad, after all.

With a smirk, she glanced over her shoulder at the crew below. “This all you got?” she quipped, barely breaking a sweat. Easy.

“Alright, Mazey, launch off the wall a little harder!” the director’s voice rang out, cutting through the wind.

She could hear the stunt team murmuring behind him, their tone urgent. They were trying to tell him something about it not being safe, but she wasn’t about to back down now. The adrenaline was kicking in, and she could already feel the shot coming together in her mind.

She waved a hand dismissively, her voice ringing with bravado. “Don’t worry, everyone! I’ll do it! No big deal!”

Before anyone could object, she pushed off the wall with more force, sending herself flying out a little farther than before. The wind whipped around her, and for a split second, she felt like she was flying. Then, with a hard thud, she hit the wall again, her fingers gripping the rock like she was born to it.

She grinned as she clung to the cliffside, her chest heaving. See, I’m fine. I can do anything, she thought. “Told you!” she called back over her shoulder.

That’s when she heard it. A sharp snap echoed through the air, followed by the chilling clink of metal against rock. Her stomach dropped as she realized what it was. The latch securingher to the safety line had broken. She glanced down, watching in horror as her lifeline slid, uselessly, down the cliff.

“Oh, fuck,” she muttered under her breath, her hands clenching the rock. The safety line was gone, and all that was holding her now was her own strength. The cliff stretched endlessly below her, the waves crashing far beneath her feet. No safety net, no crew to save me now.

For a moment, her mind raced. Should she scream? Call for help? Her arms were starting to burn already, her grip slipping slightly with every passing second. The reality of the situation settled in: she was dangling from a cliff with nothing but her own muscles keeping her alive.

But even in the face of danger, Mazey couldn’t help the snarky voice in her head. Is this really worth it? Risking my life for a shot? This better win an award. She tried to suppress the panicked laughter bubbling up inside her.

Her breaths came faster now, but she forced herself to focus. Okay, think. You’re not dead yet. She glanced around, looking for the next foothold, the next crevice she could cling to. The director’s voice was faint now, the crew still unaware of how serious the situation had gotten.

With a shaky inhale, she shifted her weight, testing her footing on the next ledge. Her palms were slick with sweat, but she didn’t have time to hesitate. Her strength was fading fast.

“Just another day at the office,” she muttered under her breath, a weak grin pulling at her lips. The absurdity of it all was almost funny if it wasn’t so terrifying. Don’t look down, Mazey.

She reached out, fingers scrabbling for purchase on the rock above her. Every movement had to be calculated, precise. One wrong move, and it was a long way down. But she wasn’t about to let that happen. Not here. Not now.

“Just hold on, Mazey! We’ve called for help, and they’ll be here soon. Try to conserve your energy as much as possible, okay?”

Easier said than done, she thought, her muscles burning with every second that passed. But what choice did she have? Give in? Not a chance. As the adrenaline surged through her, she tightened her grip on the rock, pushing away the panic threatening to overwhelm her. She had faced countless challenges before. This was just another hurdle, and she wasn’t about to back down now.

Mazey’s determination solidified. She wouldn’t just hang there; she’d fight her way back.

With a deep breath, she prepared herself for whatever came next, ready to take on the world, one heartbeat at a time.

2

MCKENNA

McKenna Adams sat on the worn leather couch at the Phoenix Ridge Fire Department, idly flipping through channels. It was a typical Monday, one of those quiet shifts where the biggest excitement was usually the latest ridiculous reality show her fellow firefighters were glued to. Tonight’s episode featured extreme sports and overzealous competitors pushing their limits, fittingly absurd for a group that often dealt with the aftermath of real-life disasters. The familiar sounds of laughter and playful banter filled the room, a welcome distraction from the daily grind of their rigorous jobs. McKenna had settled into a comfortable routine, ready to enjoy the calm before the storm.

McKenna had dedicated her life to the Phoenix Ridge Fire Department ever since she graduated from the academy. The fire station felt like a second home to her, filled with the camaraderie and respect she had always craved. Growing up in the area, she had witnessed firsthand the heroic deeds of the firefighters. They had come to her school as guests, showcasing their strength and bravery, leaving an indelible mark on her young mind. She remembered the thrill of watchingthe firefighters in their bright gear, the way they handled the equipment with ease, and the respect they commanded from everyone around them.

She had always been captivated by their confidence and competence- especially the women on the team. With their muscles flexed and laughter ringing through the air, they embodied a kind of strength McKenna aspired to. It was during those formative years that she realized something profound about herself. She was drawn to women, especially those who could stand tall in a male-dominated field. Maybe that was the real reason she wanted to become a firefighter: the allure of strength, resilience, and empowerment that came from being part of such an extraordinary team.

As she settled into her role as one of the department's leading firefighters in a now all female team, McKenna found herself embracing the challenges that came with the job. Each alarm that rang through the station sent a thrill of adrenaline coursing through her veins. She relished the rush of responding to emergencies, knowing she was part of something bigger than herself. Yet, even with all the bravery she exhibited on the job, there were moments when she found herself pondering the choices that brought her here.

Just as McKenna reached for her coffee, savoring the rich aroma that wafted through the air, the alarm shrieked, a deafening sound that cut through the warm chatter of her fellow firefighters and shattered the relaxed atmosphere of the firehouse. The sudden blare jolted her upright, her heart racing as the reality of the moment sank in. She felt the familiar rush of adrenaline, a cocktail of excitement and urgency surging through her veins.

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