OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL

Fred noticed the glint of a gun  emerging from a car window. Without hesitation, he shoved Bethany aside and shielded her with his body.

The gunshot shot out, and Fred grunted in pain as the bullet tore into his shoulder. The car screeched away, leaving chaos in its wake.

“Fred!” Bethany screamed, her voice trembling as she turned to see him collapse onto the pavement. Blood seeped through his shirt, staining the ground beneath him.

“Argh!” he groaned, clutching his wounded shoulder with trembling fingers.

Bethany knelt beside him, her hands shaking uncontrollably. “Help! Somebody, help us!” she cried out desperately, pressing her palms gently to his...