The sun was just beginning to rise as Kai slid into the driver's seat of his Mirage. It was still early, but the excitement of the day ahead kept him awake. He and Camille had planned to spend the day at the lake, a chance to escape the pressures of school and relax by the water.
After checking his phone, he texted Camille: "On my way. Be there in 10."
She replied almost instantly: "Great! Can't wait."
Kai smiled to himself and revved the engine. He pulled out of the driveway, keeping the speed steady as he made his way through the quiet streets. His mind was already picturing the day—sunlight dancing on the water, the easy laughter between him and Camille, her smile when she caught him stealing glances at her. It was going to be perfect.
His heart pounded in his chest as he navigated the streets, his hands steady on the wheel. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the town as he made his way to pick up Camille. His thoughts drifted toward their plans for the day a relaxing escape at the lake. He could already imagine the breeze on the water, the calmness of it all.
But those thoughts vanished in an instant.
As he neared a busy intersection, Kai slowed down, scanning the road ahead like he always did. He spotted a car pulling out of a parking lot up ahead, but the driver didn't seem to be checking their surroundings. Kai frowned, tapping the brake, anticipating the worst.
Then it happened.
The car shot out into the street without warning, heading straight toward him. Kai's reflexes kicked in, and he slammed the brakes, gripping the wheel tightly. He honked, hoping the driver would stop, but it was too late. The other car collided with his, smashing into the side of his Mirage with a deafening crash.
The impact threw Kai's car sideways. His body jerked violently, the force pressing him against the door as his head whipped back. He caught a glimpse of the world outside spinning wildly as his car careened toward a brick wall.
Boom.
The front of his Mirage crumpled against the wall, and for a second, everything went silent. His breath caught in his throat. Then the smell hit him. Burning chemicals, a sharp odor mixed with gasoline, smoke, and coolant. The airbag had deployed, smacking him hard in the face, but the pain in his chest was worse.
Adrenaline surged through his veins, overriding the shock. Instincts took over, and Kai reached for the door. The chemical smell was overpowering, triggering an almost primal need to get out. He unbuckled himself with shaking hands and pushed against the door, but it was stuck.
Come on...
His breath came in ragged bursts as panic threatened to overwhelm him. But he couldn't stay here. He couldn't. Mustering all his strength, Kai kicked at the door, gritting his teeth as he forced it open enough to crawl out. The jagged edge of the metal scraped against his arm, but the pain barely registered.
He stumbled out of the car, gasping for air. The world spun for a moment, and he had to steady himself against the side of the crumpled Mirage. He looked back at it, the front completely smashed in. How was he still alive?
His head was throbbing, and every muscle in his body screamed in protest, but he was alive. He staggered a few steps away from the car, his ears ringing. His phone, which had been thrown somewhere in the chaos, was miraculously still on the floor of the passenger side, auto-dialing 911. He heard the operator faintly through the window, but he couldn't get to it now.
Kai forced himself to focus. He needed to get farther from the car in case something went wrong—if there was a fuel leak, or worse. Each step felt like a mile, his vision blurring slightly as he leaned against the nearest streetlight.
