The gunshot fired and in an instant, Fred stepped in front of Bethany, shielding her with his body.

"Fred!!" Bethany screamed, her voice laced with shock and fear.

Fred collapsed onto the floor, clutching his bleeding hand.

"Call 955! Now! Fred!" she yelled, dropping to her knees beside him, her hands shaking as she tried to stop the bleeding.

THE NEAREST HOSPITAL

Bethany sat in the waiting area, her hands gripping the edges of the chair as if holding onto hope itself. Her heart pounded against her ribs. Would he be okay?

This was supposed to be a fun night. How had it turned into this? And how had someone...