I LOST CONTROL AGAIN

Night had fallen, and the city was shrouded in a fine drizzle. The streets glistened under the dim yellow streetlights, with occasional vehicles splashing through puddles. Hailey hurried along the path back to her dormitory, holding an old umbrella. Having just finished her evening job, she felt a bit tired, but her mind was still filled with the bustling scenes and voices of customers from the store.

"Be careful, don’t walk too fast," Hailey muttered to herself, reminding herself to watch the slippery ground. She turned into a secluded alleyway, a shortcut to her dorm, but it was eerily quiet at this hour, with only the sound of rain accompanying her.

Suddenly, a faint groan came from deep within the alley. Hailey paused, frowning. She slowed her pace, moving cautiously towards the sound. In the dimly lit corner of the alley, she could barely make out what was ahead.

"Is anyone there?" Hailey called out tentatively, but there was no response. She bit her lip, summoning her courage, and moved closer. When she saw the man lying on the ground, she gasped. It was a man in a high-end suit, but he looked disheveled, with visible bloodstains and abrasions. His face was pale, clearly seriously injured.

Fear gripped Hailey, her mind racing through various dangerous scenarios. She instinctively wanted to turn and leave, but seeing the man's faint breathing, her compassion overpowered her fear. She knelt down beside him and gently patted his cheek, trying to wake him up.

"Sir, can you hear me?" Hailey’s voice trembled, but she forced herself to stay calm. The man didn’t respond, remaining unconscious.

Hailey quickly pulled out her phone and dialed emergency services. She briefly described the situation to the operator and gave her location. After hanging up, she took off her jacket and draped it over the man, hoping to keep him warm.

"You have to hold on, the ambulance will be here soon," Hailey said softly, even though she knew he might not hear her. It made her feel like she was doing something.

The rain continued to fall, and Hailey’s clothes gradually became soaked, but she didn’t leave the man’s side. She occasionally glanced around, ensuring there were no other threats.