Feeling optimistic, she started her car and drove off, her mood lighter than it had been in days.
As Stella crossed an intersection, a car sped toward her out of nowhere. She slammed on the brakes, but it was too late. The impact was loud and jarring, the force throwing her forward against the seatbelt.
For a moment, she sat frozen, her heart pounding as she tried to process what had just happened.
She knew it wasn’t her fault. The other car had recklessly charged out.
Furious, Stella opened the car door and got out.
The driver of the other car quickly got out, his face pale and panicked. “I’m so sorry,” he said, his words rushed. “There’s an elderly man in my car and he’s having a severe asthma attack. I was rushing him to the hospital. We can discuss how to handle this later.”
Stella’s anger vanished. “Alright. Take him to the hospital,” she said quickly. “Saving a life comes first.”
The driver looked at Stella with visible relief in his eyes. “Thank you so much,” he said earnestly, his gratitude apparent in every word.
He turned to return to his car but stopped abruptly, a frown creasing his face as he inspected the damage. “Oh no,” he muttered, his voice laced with worry. “The car’s damaged. It won’t start.”
He hesitated before turning back to her, a mix of urgency and desperation on his face. “Miss, could you please take the elderly gentleman to the hospital?” he pleaded. “Please, rest assured-we’ll make sure to thank you properly later.”
Stella didn’t hesitate for a moment. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, she nodded firmly. “Of course. Quickly, get him into my car.”
Without wasting time, the driver carefully helped the elderly man, who was none other than Declan, out of his vehicle. As the frail figure leaned on him, Stella moved to open her car’s door.
Stella ignited the engine and raced toward the nearest hospital with urgency.
Mercifully, the hospital was merely minutes away. Before long, they screeched to a halt at the entrance, poised for action.
Medical staff quickly ushered Declan into the emergency room for prompt attention. Meanwhile, the driver, drenched jin relief, approached Stella, his gratitude palpable. “Miss, thank you profoundly. Without your swift action, the situation could have been dire.”
Nonchalantly, Stella waved off the accolade. “Oh, it’s merely what anyone should do. I should be going now.”
The driver intercepted her departure with a worried tone. “Miss, could you perhaps linger a while longer? It would mean a lot if you stayed until he regains consciousness. If he awakens to find you gone, the blame might fall on me.”
Moved by his earnest request, Stella conceded, resolving to wait. It was at that moment the doctor returned, supporting Declan at his side.
He addressed the driver with a stern note of advice. “He suffered an asthma attack, which is part of his chronic condition. Be vigilant with the small details-they’re crucial in preventing such episodes.”
Acknowledging the doctor’s instructions, the driver nodded with renewed understanding. “Absolutely, thank you for your guidance.”
With the doctor departed, the driver turned to Declan, gesturing toward Stella. “Sir, we are immensely indebted to this lady. She brought you to safety just in time.”
Meeting Stella’s gaze, Declan’s eyes brimmed with appreciation. “Miss, your beauty is matched only by your generosity. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
A faint blush tinted Stella’s cheeks as she smiled. “I’m just glad to see you’re alright. Are you feeling better? Can I offer you a lift home?”
Declan raised his hand in polite refusal. “That’s very kind, but no, thank you. My grandson should be here shortly.”