I Had The Time Of My Life

Everyone seemed to be vibrating at the same wavelength of excitement in an indescribable but no less palpable way. Lucy Chen's heart was racing with excitement as she followed her best friend, Tamara Collins, through the bustling crowd into the stadium. They held hands to weave through the friendship bracelet exchanges and pictures being taken.

"Front row!" Tamara said, her voice equal parts enthusiasm and disbelief. "Can you believe it? I actually won front row seats to the Era's Tour! Front. Row. Taylor Swift. This is a once-in-a-lifetime night!"

Lucy smiled at her joy, which was infectious. "Thanks for giving me the second free ticket even though I'm not really a Swiftie like you are."

"It'll be fun. You'll see! Now hurry up!"

Since she loved live music, Lucy was looking forward to feeling the songs wash over her and the bass reverberate through her body, and of course, spend time with her best friend more than anything. The opener performed, but she was more focused on how much fun Tamara was having making friends with the women beside her singing along and having a great time, too.

Then, the countdown clocked showed.

And it ticked down, down, down as everyone collectively held their breath until the number changed to zero, and everyone started screaming.

The first chords of "Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince" played, there was steam, there were dancers, and then there was Taylor Swift's voice coming through clearly as she sang the first few lines. The crowd surged forward, clamoring to get closer to the stage. Lucy tried to hold her ground, but she staggered, her balance thrown as waves of bodies pressed against her. The next thing she knew, she was stumbling, her forehead slamming into the cold metal barricade in front of the stage. The pain was instant, sharp and sudden, then stars danced in her vision for a moment or two before everything went black.

When she reopened her eyes, she heard voices louder than the cheering, and she tried to focus on her surroundings despite how her head was pounding, causing her to be disoriented.

"Lucy? Lucy? Can you hear me?" Tamara's voice blurred, panicked.

Before she could respond, strong hands gripped her shoulders. A deep, steady voice cut through the chaos. "Hey, are you okay?"

Trying to focus, Lucy blinked hard. The face that swam into view was striking with a strong jaw, buzz cut dirty blonde hair, and piercing blue eyes that scanned her with both concern and authority. "I think I..." Her voice faltered as dizziness swept over her.

"Let's get you checked out," he suggested and pulled one of her arms around his shoulder so that he could carry most of her weight and support her with his other hand on her waist. She seemed to resist his hold, so he assured her gently, "I'm Tim. I work security here. You're safe with me." That was enough to allow her to slump against him and drag her feet as he guided her away from the barricade. He noticed that her eyes were barely open, so in an effort to keep her awake, he struck up a conversation, "So, what's your name?"

"Uh, L-Lucy,' she answered shakily.

"Okay, Lucy, we're going to walk for a few more seconds." She stumbled, her legs faltering as her consciousness dwindled. "Plan B it is," he mumbled before lifting her into his arms and walking her to the nearest first aid station. He had never seen so much commotion in the small room that smelled like sanitizer with every single medical professional busy with multiple patients that were seemingly being treated for dehydration from waiting outside in line in the heat for a long time. Taking matters into his own hands, he carefully set Lucy down in the last lounger and rummaged for bands, alcohol pads, a water bottle, and an ice pack.