The Midnight Emergency: A Race Against Time

In the middle of the night, she was awakened by a violent cough, and quickly opened her eyes.

Is it grandpa, is grandpa coughing again?

But this time it seems to be worse than before!

Grandpa Li coughed violently, coughing out of breath, as if he would lose his breath at any time. Li Xiaolei was also awakened. Seeing that Fu bao was awake, he got out of bed first, and then took Fu bao down.

The two children hurriedly ran to the old man's room. Through the dim light, Fu bao saw Mrs. Li sitting by the bed of Mr. Li. Her voice trembled because of worry, "Old man, what's wrong with you? Let's go to the health center, go now!"

In the dead of night, she awoke to the sound of harsh coughing, jolting her from her slumber.

Could it be Grandpa? Is he coughing again?

But this time, it sounded more severe than usual!

Grandpa Li's coughs were harsh and unrelenting, as if he were struggling to catch his breath. Li Xiaolei, too, stirred from his sleep. Seeing that Fu Bao was awake, he quickly got up and helped her out of bed.

The two children rushed to the old man's room. In the faint light, Fu Bao could see Mrs. Li sitting anxiously by Grandpa Li's bedside. Her voice quivered with concern, "Old man, what's happening? We need to take you to the health center, right away!"

"Don't... spend... money!" Old Man Li struggled to speak amidst violent coughs.

With each cough, a small pool of blood emerged, staining the once pristine sheets, a sight that startled everyone.

Fu Bao's heart raced with alarm. It was clear that Grandpa's condition had worsened considerably!

Mrs. Li's face drained of color, aghast at the sight before her. While Grandpa often coughed, she had never witnessed him coughing up blood like this before. Even with limited medical knowledge, she understood the severity of the situation.

When Fu Bao witnessed Grandpa Li's struggle to breathe, his face paled with fear, and tears welled up in his eyes. Despite Grandpa's own struggles, he always looked out for her, insisting that Grandma prepare extra food so she wouldn't go hungry. Seeing him in distress now, Fu Bao's heart ached.

With tear-filled eyes, Fu Bao rushed over, her voice trembling, "Grandpa, you need to go to the health center. I don't want you to suffer. Waaaah..."

"Yes! Grandpa, I'll call for help right away and take you to the hospital. We can't delay any longer!" Grandma Li's eyes mirrored Fu Bao's, filled with urgency. Rising swiftly from her seat, she didn't let fear deter her as she reached for Xiaolei's hand, ready to seek assistance. They hurried outside, intending to ask a neighbor for help.

Given the village's modest means, bicycles and motorcycles were scarce, with ox carts being the primary mode of transport. Fortunately, Mrs. Hu's house was nearby, making it a convenient option. Grandma Li wasted no time leading the children there, hoping to secure their aid.

Seeing the Li family seeking help, Hu Old San, immediately agreed without hesitation. He hitched up his bullock cart and swiftly made his way to the Li residence. Together, they carefully moved Grandpa Li onto the cart.

At this critical moment, Grandpa Li appeared to be on the brink of death, unconscious and struggling to breathe. He coughed up blood incessantly, unable to even open his eyes fully.

Fu Bao, witnessing her grandfather's deteriorating condition, couldn't contain her fear and tears. "Grandpa, help is on the way. Please hold on... Don't frighten me," she sobbed uncontrollably.

Unable to speak, Grandpa Li reached out a trembling hand and grasped Fu Bao's small hand tightly. It was as if he was relying on her for strength, refusing to let go even as they journeyed towards the hospital.

"Grandpa... oh, grandpa!" Li Xiaolei cried out in anguish. He hadn't realized just how dire his grandfather's condition had become.

Tears streamed down the old lady Li's face as she tightly clasped her husband's hand. Her voice choked with emotion as she pleaded, "Old man, can you hear me? Hang in there, please. Remember the promise you made to me when we got married? You vowed to stay by my side for the rest of our lives, never leaving me alone. Please... save your strength."