Chapter 6 — Bull
Bull decided five days later to leave on a Wednesday, and the fire station planned on closing for a few hours to see him off. He stopped by the station early to make his peace, to say his goodbyes. Ray was the one who was the most light-hearted about the whole situation, he embraced Bull short and sweet like he'd be back in a week. Dustin's embrace lasted a little longer, with a firm pat on the back in there and a wish for luck. It was hard for Bull to look into Randy's eyes who was looking disappointed but sadly at him. Randy told Bull that things will be kept in order while he's away, that they'll let the lovelies around the neighborhood know he's taking a vacation.
Serena held Bull for a long time right in front of everyone. Dustin and Randy both awed from the sidelines, it's so touching and heartbreaking to watch these two besties part ways for now. That's what they looked like to everyone else, a couple of kindred spirits that will suffer by their separation. But Serena will survive, she will have Randy to keep her strong while Bull figures things out. Bull breathed in and lamented his need to exhale, wishing he could hold the smell of Serena's shampoo inside of him until he returned. Bull felt her warmth, as his hands clutched the back of her hoodie like he was desperate to die.
"Stay gold!" Bull said leaving the station.
* * *
The drive up was a long one, taking roughly eleven hours. Bull opted to drive for some odd reason, not sure if he'd be up to the task of managing being packed into a security post while a bunch of tourists roamed the forest.
When he finally arrived at Oregon's border with California, the autumn sun just begun to settle to bed beneath the blanket of the tree-lines. It was five in the afternoon and Bull staggered into the foyer of a cabin where he'd be stationed for this week's orientation. He was greeted by the park's warden, Mr. Bradshaw, a short fella with a large brown mustache and lines all around his eyes. "You're just made it in time for supper! When we're done, go and mingle for a bit with the others before sunset. You'll be good to go by tomorrow afternoon. Is that all square to you?"
Bull nodded and was ushered into the dining room where several other new lookouts were already seated around an oval table. He waved and introduced himself after taking a seat next to a woman in her forties, with dark brown hair and bangs. She quickly introduced herself as Deborah Sikes, and Deb for short, shaking Bull's hands.
"Deb here has been a lookout for us for the past three years," Bradshaw pointed out as he sat at the head of the table, "You could say she's a veteran." Deb touched her chest feigning flattery. "She's stationed at Mulle Hill this season so she'll be close to you, Mr. Kramer," Bradshaw said pointing to Bull with his spoon. "You're very lucky to have her close by. Deb will be able to quickly answer any of your questions and concerns."
Deb nodded, "Just a walkie-talkie away, so if you have any issues or just need someone to chat with, I'm all ears. It can get a bit boring at times."
"Thanks. I'll be sure to do that," Bull said dryly, making a polite attempt at eating but he didn't find most of it appetizing. He gave up on the soup and focused on the chicken breast and sautéed green beans.
"You're going to be eating a lot of these type of apocalypse foods for the next three months, shit in cans with shelf lives until the year 3050."
Everyone laughed.
"I like to give my recruits a good home-cooked meal before starting to remind them of home!"
Bull tried savoring the chicken a little longer, enjoying its seasoning. After a few servings, he sat back and listened as the rest of the table swap stories about where they came from and how they all got there. Bull kept his story simple, making it about wanting time away from the city. After a few questions mainly from Deb, Bull was ready to get up and leave.
Bradshaw got up first and brought back a blueberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Bull kindly excused himself, feigning a headache.
"Sorry, Bull. The long drive in the heat probably did it," Bradshaw said leading Bull down the hall into one of the several guest rooms in the large cabin. There was a bunk bed and cot across the room from it. "Rangers Dave and Ted will be joining you here later in the week, they'll probably take whatever bed you don't," Bradshaw said.
"No problem. Thanks, Bradshaw."
Once Bradshaw left, Bull put down his duffle bag and settled onto the cot across from the bunk bed. He kicked off his shoes and jeans and rolled over, facing the wall that the bed is standing parallel to. His eyes traced the swirling patterns in the wood grain of the panels until they began to sag and minutes later, Bull fell into a deep sleep.