Page 23 of Love in the Time of Wildfires

Something like that.

River

So, you never told me why you were allowed to have a beard as a firefighter.

It’s not that interesting.

River

I don’t care. I just like to learn things. I could do an online search if you want.

He didn’t want to take the risk she’d stop talking to him.

Other firefighters use SCBA system. They carry their own oxygen, and the mask needs to seal to their face.

River

Wait...you don’t wear a mask?

Not usually like that. We need to pack light. Sometimes we just cover our face with a cloth and wear an N95.

River

But isn’t it dangerous to breathe in all that smoke?

It’s not good, but it’s not the same kind of smoke. They’re dealing with man-made structures. There could be a lot more chemicals. Our smoke is just from trees and plants.

River

You are being careful out there, right?

Logan wasn’t sure how to answer the question. Somewhere along the way, his sense of danger had become muted. He didn’t see it the same as other people. Logan was trying to get a job done, get a paycheck, and survive so he could do it again. He wasn’t actively trying to get hurt. Like his dad, he wasn’t sure what he’d do if he were taken out of the game. It was more that his sense of safety was a bubble he wrapped around other people rather than himself.

I’m keeping people as safe as I can.

The next few nights were the same. She’d send him the picture with some new animal additions. First it was an eagle, wings widespread, soaring over his head. The next evening it was a porcupine at his feet. Also, she liked to ask him questions.

River

Are you just out there sleeping where the fire is?

No. We have a fire camp—our base. It’s a safe distance away. I sleep in a tent.

River

Do you jump out of planes?

No. Sometimes we travel by helicopter and rappel out to get to the location, but I’m not diving out by parachute or anything. That’s a smokejumper. Does that make me less cool?

River

You don’t seem like the type of person who worries about whether people think you’re cool, especially someone like me.

He didn’t care about other people, but there was a growing side of him that cared what she thought.

River

Do you hate that I ask you all these questions? Normally, I would preface this and say you can be honest, but I’m not sure you know how to be any other way.