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Chapter 3

(Just before the bus could take the full brunt of the truck's impact, the driver managed to exit at the last second. Inside, the bus was a disaster zone, with semi-conscious passengers scattered around. After a few moments, Joy begins to stir.)

(Inside the bus, from Joy's perspective):

Joy: Ouch! Oh...my head is throbbing. What just happened? (Struggling to move) Ah! My shoulder is definitely dislocated. This pain is unbearable. Where are the kids? (Scans the area and spots them) There they are! This bus won't hold up much longer; we need to get out as soon as possible.

(Grimacing, Joy gets up and stumbles over to his step-siblings who lie unconscious on the floor. Their names are Jo and Mary.)

Joy: (Gently tapping Jo's face) *tap*, *tap* Jo! Hey…Jo, wake up! *tap* Hey…Jo!

(Slowly, both brother and sister begin to wake.)

Jo: Ow…ow...my head is killing me. (Looking at Joy) Is that you, Joy? What happened? Why are you here?

Joy: (Relieved) Well, you seem to be alright. A lot has happened, but let's focus on getting out of this bus first. Help me wake Mary.

Jo: (Softly nudging Mary) Hey sis...wake up.

Mary: Ow…ow…don't yell, Jo! I'm awake…I feel so dizzy and my face is all bruised. What happened? (Noticing Joy) Wait—Joy? When did you get here?

Joy: Yup, it's me. And it looks like you're doing okay too.

Mary: Do I look okay to you? You haven't changed one bit—still just a big moron in my eyes.

(Joy's thoughts) "This little...I see where she gets her attitude from." (Referring to their stepmother)

Joy: As much as I'd like to address your behavior, we don't have time for that right now.

Mary: What did you just say!? I have way more manners than you'll ever learn, blockhead!

Jo: Enough, Mary. You can argue with Joy after we're off this bus.

Joy: Jo's right. Luckily, there aren't many people on board, so the bus is relatively balanced. But I don't know how much longer it will last. Carefully walk over to me—one step at a time, without sudden movements. Got it?

Jo and Mary: Got it.

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Thank you for reading my story; I hope it touched your heart. If you enjoyed it, please like it, comment on it, and share it with others.

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