“Hang in there,” she murmured gently. “Help is on the way. You’re not alone.” Her soothing tone was intended to offer reassurance and a semblance of solace, even if Joe remained unresponsive. As Sophia worked to provide comfort, a few passersby began to take notice of the scene.
Drawn by the gravity of the situation and Sophia’s evident concern, they stopped to offer their assistance. The initial wave of indifference seemed to have shifted, and the atmosphere grew more cooperative. Some individuals took out their phones to make additional calls, either to alert others or to gather more support.