Day 42: A Barrel of Chuckles

	It was the beginning of a new week. Marlon was glad that it wasn't as cold this morning as yesterday. He checked in early at the fire station and saw Annalove keeping watch. Had she stayed all night? Marlon was happy to see her again. Her bright smile and sparkling eyes. It made him feel welcome.
As tempted as he was to stay at the station and spend time with her, Marlon had duties to perform once the drill went off.
	Meggan was busy working on her chainlink of friends. She called one over to get to know him better. She thought it was funny that he came unprepared for the weather and was all soaked to the bone. Meggan flirtingly teased, "We should get you out of those clothes, eh?"
Curtis thought he was going to get lucky, but all he got was a towel to dry off with and to protect the couch. "Let's watch the news and chat," Meggan said.
	It was a big fire, but one that Marlon was not going to let get away from him.
One of the men who lived at the house suffered from anxiety attack, so Marlon did his best to care and comfort him until an ambulance arrived.
	Meggan learned as much as she could about Curtis. He was a fine, decent man who worked at the police station. A bit odd, but who wasn't in this town?
Marlon had decided to stay the night at the station, so that Annalove wasn't alone. He didn't think it was right that she was here all by herself last night. He was like a kid all over again; laughing and pillow fighting. He hadn't felt like this in a long time.
	Before going to bed, Marlon thought about home and his family. Odd that those thoughts were bothering him now! He was just spending the night with a friend, and it was at work no less! Somehow he felt guilty, and he didn't understand why.