"Life is beautiful, the sky is a brilliant blue, a masterpiece of nature." I marveled, my gaze drifting upward. The fluffy white clouds seemed to dance across the canvas of the sky. But my reverie was short-lived.
Before I knew it, I was on the floor, my files scattering everywhere. "Hey, no need to be rough, guys! I did my best on that project; it's not my fault it wasn't good enough." I protested, brushing myself off.
"Yeah, I'm surprised too; we both thought I'd be accepted. Well, better luck next time," I muttered, gathering my scattered files.
As I stood up, I felt piercing gazes upon me. The bustling street was alive with working-class individuals rushing to and fro, their faces set in determined expressions. Some were already late, their frantic footsteps echoing through the air.
I cast one last glance at the L Group building, its sleek glass façade glinting in the sunlight. Working for such a prestigious company would have been a dream come true.
Standing at the crossroads, I waited for the traffic light to turn green, my head hung low in disappointment. The sounds of the city – car horns, chatter, and the wail of sirens in the distance – created a cacophony of noise.
Just as the light turned green, I raised my head to see a woman engrossed in her phone, crossing the road without a care. She was oblivious to the incoming car speeding toward her.
Time seemed to slow down. Before I could process my actions, I was sprinting toward her, my heart racing. Being brave or heroic had never been my forte, but instinct took over.
In a split second, I pushed her out of harm's way. The car struck me with force, sending me flying through the air. I landed with a thud, my body sliding across the pavement.
As I lay face up, the sky's beauty struck me again. "The sky is really beautiful today," I whispered, blood streaming down my face.
My vision began to blur, but I could hear faint sounds of panic – people shouting, sirens closing in. The last thing I saw was a woman's face, her features etched with concern.
************
"Stall them, I'm on my way to the office now," I urged, my voice firm and resolute, with a hint of urgency. "We can't lose them; they're our biggest client ever. This deal is crucial to the company, and my position is on the line." I emphasized each word, as if willing my team to understand the gravity of the situation.
I swiftly downed the last sip of my coffee, the bitter taste fueling my determination. The rich aroma lingered on my palate, a reminder of the long hours ahead.
Rushing out of the cozy café, with its warm glow and inviting atmosphere, I stepped into the crisp morning air. The sounds of the city – honking horns, chattering pedestrians, and wailing sirens – enveloped me, a cacophony of noise that electrified my senses.
The bright sunlight cast long shadows across the sidewalk, illuminating the hustle and bustle of the city. People rushed past me, each with their own story, their own struggles.
Just as I reached the crossroads, my phone buzzed in my pocket, vibrating against my thigh. My mom's name flashed on the screen, her smiling face a stark contrast to my current stress.
"What does she want now?" I sighed, answering the call. My tone was a mix of frustration and affection, a delicate balance I'd mastered over the years.
"Hey, Mom," I said, trying to sound more patient than I felt.
"Hello, Mom."
"Mia, where are you?" Her stern voice sent a shiver down my spine.
"I'm on my way back to the company, don't worry; we won't lose them. I've got everything under control." I began to reassure her, but my words were cut short.
A sudden push sent me stumbling backward. I regained my balance, ready to confront the careless perpetrator. But my anger dissolved into shock as I witnessed a horrific scene unfolding before me.
A man lay motionless on the ground, his body crumpled from the impact of a speeding car. My heart skipped a beat. "Did he just... save me from that car?" The realization dawned on me like a thunderclap. If he hadn't pushed me, I'd be the one lying there.
Rushing to his side, I cradled his head in my lap, trying to stem the flow of blood from his injuries. "Hey, stay with me; help is on the way." My voice trembled, but I fought to keep him awake.
He struggled to speak, his voice barely audible. I leaned closer, my ear inches from his lips.
"The sky... is beautiful," he whispered, his breath warm against my skin.
"Yes, it is," I replied, my voice soft and soothing. I tried to keep him engaged, fighting against the panic rising within me.
The surrounding chaos – screams, sirens, and screeching tires – receded into the background as I focused on the injured stranger. Blood streamed down his face, and his eyes fluttered closed.
"No, no, no! Stay with me!" I urged, my grip on his shoulders tightening.
The ambulance's flashing lights illuminated the chaotic scene as the paramedics expertly loaded the stranger onto the stretcher. I trailed behind, my feet moving instinctively to keep pace.
"Who are you? Are you family?" the paramedic asked, her voice firm but gentle, as she blocked my path.
"No, I'm not," I replied, my voice laced with emotion. "But he just saved my life."
The paramedic's expression softened, her eyes locking onto mine. "Okay, let's go," she said, gesturing toward the ambulance's open doors.
I swiftly followed, the cool evening air swirling around me as I climbed into the vehicle. The stranger's prone form lay before me, his face pale and battered.
As the ambulance doors shut, the sounds of the city – honking horns, chattering pedestrians – receded, replaced by the steady beep of monitors and the paramedic's calm voice.
"Sir, can you hear me?" she asked, her hands moving deftly to secure IV lines and monitors.
The stranger's eyelids fluttered, but he remained unresponsive.
My mind reeled, thoughts tumbling one upon another. The clients who were already leaving, my mom's worried calls, and now this... Could this day possibly get any worse?
Panic threatened to overwhelm me, but I pushed it back, focusing on the stranger's fragile form. Who was he? Why did he risk his life to save mine?
The ambulance hurtled through the city streets, sire
ns wailing, as I sat beside the stranger, my heart heavy with gratitude and concern.