Chapter 26: Fireproof

The health inspector came early.

Of course he did.

Carmy hadn't even finished adjusting the lighting in the pass when the clipboard showed up — like a harbinger of doom wearing orthopedic shoes.

"Morning," the inspector said, way too cheerful. "Just here for the unannounced compliance walk."

Everyone froze.

Except Chiara.

She walked over with calm steps, handed him a hairnet and gloves. "You're early. But welcome."

⟡𓌉◯𓇋₊˚⊹♡

The first few minutes were smooth.

Temperature logs — clear.

Glove use — consistent.

Towel stations and sanitizers — passed.

Then the inspector stopped at the pastry reach-in.

"This unit operational?" he asked, tapping the door.

Carmy glanced over. "Yeah. Marcus fixed it last week—right?"

Marcus, mid-glaze, looked up. "Yeah, I did, but I unplugged it earlier to reset the—"

"Why is it unplugged?" Carmy snapped.

The inspector raised an eyebrow.

The panic landed.

⟡𓌉◯𓇋₊˚⊹♡

Carmy unraveled.

He started pulling container labels, re-checking timers, measuring counter clearances with a tape that had clearly seen war.

His voice pitched higher. His pacing turned sharp.

By minute ten, he was muttering about Ever, about flames, about failure — head down, body rigid.

Chiara moved toward him like you'd approach something flammable.

"Carm," she said softly. "You need to breathe."

"I can't—if one thing goes wrong, it all collapses."

"We're not collapsing," she said.

He didn't look at her. "You weren't there. At Ever. You didn't see it fall apart—"

"I don't care what happened at Ever."

That made him freeze.

"You're not there," Chiara continued, steady. "You're here. With us. With people who actually want to carry this with you. Not behind you."

She touched his shoulder — firm, grounding.

"You're fire, Carm. You always have been. But we're not building a place that burns."

His voice cracked. "Are you sure?"

She nodded. "I'm fireproof. So is this kitchen."

⟡𓌉◯𓇋₊˚⊹♡

The inspector left twenty minutes later.

Two minor notes — easily fixable.

He complimented the pastry display. Said the grill line looked sharp. Even smiled at Tina, who did not smile back.

Carmy sank into a chair.

Exhausted.

Embarrassed.

Chiara crouched beside him. "You don't have to be perfect," she said. "You just have to stay."

⟡𓌉◯𓇋₊˚⊹♡

Later, in the pantry, Luca pulled her aside. Flour on his sleeve. Calm in his eyes.

"I saw what you did," he said.

Chiara shrugged. "I didn't do anything."

"You reminded him he's not alone."

She sighed. "He forgets a lot."

Luca nodded. "Then it's good he has you. To remind him. Again. And again."

Chiara leaned her head on his shoulder. They didn't speak.

Just stood there in the quiet hum of a kitchen that had survived another day.

⟡𓌉◯𓇋₊˚⊹♡

END OF CHAPTER 26

Hope you liked this chapter — From my heart to the line, thanks for reading. See you at the next service.

— Liz