A Real Hero

A Real Hero

With his sleeves rolled halfway up his arms, he projected a workman-like image. Images can be deceiving. He had no business being up on the tower.

Under his adult clothes, Billy wore his Spiderman costume. He hadn’t figured out his “Spidey” powers yet, but he knew he had to practice. The most complex thing about a child's mind is its simplicity, at thirty-three, Billy’s mind was that of a six year old.

This morning, while his sister, Chris, needed to dash to the market, Billy decided he would climb the tower.

The call to 911 came at 11:12 AM.

“Culver City Emergency Services, what is your emergency?”

“Hello?” Chris rushed. “Please send someone, my brother climbed the cell phone tower! He’s going to fall! Please! Come quickly!”

“Ma’am? Ma’am what is your address? I’m dispatching the fire crew right away, please stay on the line.”

“Hurry please!” Chris said. “It’s at the corner of Mill and 17th street! I’m going out and see if I can get him to come down!”

“Ma’am? Ma’am please stay on the line, the fire crew should be there in a few minutes!”

Chris never heard her. Dropping the phone, she ran out the door. “Ma’am? The telephone crackled. “Ma’am? Please stay on the line!”

Rushing out the door, Chris’ mind was on Billy. After their parents died, her mentally challenged brother was her responsibility. Even if help arrived, Chris knew it would get here too late if she didn’t do something now!

Its siren wailing, Fire Engine #34, was on its way. Terry Wilson, sat behind the wheel. A little kid climbing up a cell phone tower was probably not an unusual occurrence in large city fire departments, but a first for Terry. He just hoped the kid could hold on until he arrived.

The approaching fire truck caught Billy’s eye. Wow! He thought. There must be a fire close by! Though, he couldn’t see any smoke. He did see his sister Chris, standing at the bottom of the tower. “Hey Chris!” He waved. “There’s a fire truck coming fast, are we on fire?”

“Oh God, Billy!” Chris screamed. “Hold on tight, don’t let go!”

“I won’t fall!” Billy laughed. “I’m Spiderman!”

As the truck pulled up to the base of the tower, Terry spotted an attractive young woman. Jumping out, he raced over to her.

“What seems to be the problem, Ma’am?” he asked.

“What do you mean, ‘what’s the problem’?” Chris yelled. “My brother is up that tower, you idiot!”

Terry was somewhat taken aback. Looking upward, all he could see was what appeared to be a company workman, not the expected child he was led to believe was in danger.

“That man up there is your brother?”

“My brother, Billy!” Chris said. “He may look like a man, but he’s...slow. Please! Get him down!”

Terry’s eye caught the flash of something falling to the ground. Chris grabbed his shoulder. “Oh God!” She gasped. Looking again, Terry saw that what fell was the man’s pants and shirt. He was shocked to see the man was now dressed in a fully decked out, Spiderman costume.

“It was the damndest thing I ever did see!” He told fellow firemen later.

As the “Spiderman” climbed higher, Terry felt it was time for action. Starting up the ladder, he only hoped the man wouldn’t change to “Superman” and try to fly.

As he climbed, Terry tried soothing the younger man. “Say Billy,” he called, “what’s going on?”

“Hi, Mister fireman!” Billy smiled. “Is there a fire up here?”

“No, Billy.” Terry smiled. “I’m just coming up there with you, nothing to get excited about. I’m just coming up there.”

“Oh, okay.” Billy grinned. “I’m Spiderman, you know.”

“Is that right?” Terry asked. “You like super heroes huh?”

“Only Spiderman,” Billy said, “other super heroes are dumb! No one can really fly or do some of those other silly things!”

“That’s right, Billy.” Terry drew closer. “No one can fly!”

“How are we getting down?” Billy asked. “Are we going to jump down on one of those fireman nets?”

“No, Billy.” Terry clipped a harness around the young man’s waist. “We’re going to slowly climb down the ladder together. Okay?”

Nearing the bottom, they heard Chris call up to her brother. “Billy, I’m going to kick your ass right up between your shoulder blades!”

Terry asked. “Say Billy, is your sister married?” There was something about the young woman. Even though she was afraid for her brother, she kept her cool, she was a refreshing change, like a cold beer on a hot day.