Chapter 3 - The Rescue
"Hey! What’s wrong?"
A man’s voice broke through Sarah’s wailing. It was David, a neighbor who had stayed behind to help clean up. Wearing a beige shirt and a look of absolute alarm, he sprinted across the lawn toward the trash bin.
Seeing the little girl in the garbage, David didn't hesitate. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket, dialing 911 with shaking fingers, and jammed the phone between his ear and shoulder. He reached into the bin, pressing two fingers gently against Lily’s small neck.
"911? I need an ambulance at 442 Elm Street, immediately. We have an unconscious child," David barked into the phone, his voice a steady anchor in the chaos. He paused, his focus entirely on his fingertips. "She's breathing... very weakly. Please hurry."
May you like
Sarah couldn't wait any longer. Reaching into the foul-smelling bin, she hooked her arms under Lily's shoulders and hoisted her out. The little girl was terrifyingly limp, her head lolling back. Sarah gathered her daughter into her lap, sitting right there on the grass. She hugged Lily tightly against her chest, rocking back and forth, whispering pleas into her hair.
"Hold on, sweetie," David knelt beside them, checking her airway. "Help is coming, Sarah. Just keep her warm."
