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Chapter 1 The Shattered Dawn

Sunlight peeked through the leaves, throwing dappled light on the asphalt at the entrance. Kids' laughter and shouts filled the air.

But that peaceful afternoon got wrecked by the screech of brakes. An out-of-control truck barreled into the crowd, and the screams, crashes, and shattering glass turned it into a nightmare.

Emily Johnson jolted awake, her pajamas drenched in sweat. She gasped for breath, trying to shake off the recurring nightmare. But she knew it wasn't just a dream; it was a memory she couldn't escape.

That day, her dad Michael Johnson, mom Olivia Smith, and little brother James Johnson had come to pick her up from school. But right at the school gate, less than 330 feet away, they got into a car accident.

The truck driver, exhausted, crashed into several cars and plowed into the crowd, finally stopping against the school’s outer wall. Emily stood at the gate, watching as her parents' car, one of the unlucky ones, crashed, killing Michael and Olivia instantly, and leaving James's legs a bloody, crushed mess.

Since then, that horrific accident haunted her dreams. She'd relive that afternoon over and over, watching Michael and Olivia die, powerless to stop it.

After the accident, Emily followed James's ambulance to the hospital. He was rushed into surgery, and she stood outside the operating room, clutching her backpack straps, filled with fear and helplessness. Doctors and nurses rushed in and out, while she could only wait.

Hours later, a doctor came out, looking serious. "Ms. Johnson, James's condition is critical. We need to operate immediately, but the surgery costs..."

Emily didn't need him to finish. She knew what he meant.

She knew her family's financial situation. Her dad was a school teacher, her mom a homemaker. They had almost no savings. She was just a high school student about to take the SAT, with no income.

"Doctor, I'll find a way." Her voice trembled, but her eyes were determined.

James was all she had left, and she had to save him, no matter what.

She started calling relatives and friends, begging for money. But everyone had the same helpless response. "Emily, we want to help, but we just don't have that kind of money."

As night fell, the hospital corridor was dimly lit. Emily sat on a bench, her face in her hands, tears slipping through her fingers. Despair filled her heart.

A nurse approached, holding a bill. "Ms. Johnson, this is James's medical bill. We need you to pay by tomorrow."

Emily took the bill and stared at the astronomical figure, feeling like her heart was being ripped apart. It was an amount she could never afford.

"I'll find a way," she whispered.

The nurse sighed, her eyes showing sympathy. "Ms. Johnson, I know this is hard, but the hospital has its rules. If you can't pay on time, we may have to stop treatment."

Emily's tears flowed again. She felt an overwhelming sense of powerlessness and despair. She had no idea how to save James.

Just then, her phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number. She hesitated, then answered.

"Ms. Johnson, this is John Williams. I heard about your situation, and I'm willing to help you." The voice on the other end was calm and strong.

Emily's heart skipped a beat. She didn't know who John was or why he wanted to help. But she knew this might be her only hope.

"Thank you, Mr. Williams," she said, her voice choked with emotion.

John's voice stayed calm. "Ms. Johnson, you don't need to thank me. I'll send someone to handle the hospital payment. But remember, everything has a price."

Emily felt a mix of gratitude and unease. She knew John's help wouldn't come without strings attached, and she'd have to pay a price. But she had no other choice; this was her only chance to save James.

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