Joe’s plight remained a stark contrast to the bustling, indifferent energy of the city around him. Hours had passed since Joe first collapsed, and the afternoon sun was beginning its descent, casting a warm, golden hue over the street. The once-bustling sidewalk had gradually thinned out as people retreated to their evening routines.
The hurried energy of the day had subsided, leaving Joe nearly alone, his figure a solitary mark against the now tranquil scene. It was during this quiet transition that Sophia Miller arrived on the scene. Sophia, a part-time volunteer for a local charity, had just finished her shift at the shelter and decided to take a different route home.