Prologue: two years ago

Swim Team Member 3: "I can't believe one of us is going to nationals! This calls for a song!"

They burst into an off-key rendition of a popular song, their camaraderie shining through the shared joy of their achievements. Despite the clumsiness, their enthusiasm was infectious.

Swim Team Member 4: "Raven, join in! This is our victory song!"

Raven, joined in with a quiet laugh, adding his voice to the chorus as they continued their tipsy celebration.

The scene unfolded in the parking lot, filled with laughter, slightly slurred lyrics, and the clinking of car keys as they supported each other into their vehicles. 

It was a night of celebration, a boisterous and memorable conclusion to a day marked by triumph and unity.

Raven, lost in his thoughts, stared out of the car window as they navigated the city streets. The hum of the engine and the distant sounds of the urban night provided a comforting backdrop. However, the tranquility shattered as they approached an intersection.

As the car came to a stop, Raven's contemplative gaze turned into alarm when the vehicle was violently struck by a massive truck.

The impact was catastrophic, rending the once-cohesive car into a twisted mass of metal and shattered glass.

The air was immediately saturated with the acrid scent of gasoline, and Raven's senses were overwhelmed by the chaos surrounding him.

The mangled wreckage of the car seemed to blend into the dark night, a stark contrast to the vibrant city lights.

In the disarray, the car's body was a twisted sculpture of destruction, and Raven felt a disorienting mix of shock and confusion.

The pungent smell of gasoline hung thick in the air, adding an ominous edge to the scene. The metallic tinge of blood intensified the harsh reality of the accident.

Amidst the wreckage, moans and cries of pain echoed. The once serene night had transformed into a scene of terror and despair.

Raven, disoriented and alarmed, found himself in the midst of the unexpected tragedy, grappling with the sudden shift from contemplation to chaos.

The truck driver, fueled by an unknown rage or agenda, descended from the truck with a chilling demeanor.

In a swift, calculated motion, he raised a firearm and unleashed a barrage of shots towards the helpless occupants trapped inside the already-wrecked car.

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

The piercing sounds of gunfire shattered the night, mingling with the remnants of the earlier collision.

Bullets tore through the twisted metal and shattered glass, bringing a grotesque and unexpected turn to the tragedy that had unfolded.

In the aftermath, a haunting silence descended upon the intersection. Bodies, already battered by the collision, now lay motionless, their forms distorted amidst the wreckage.

The air was thick with the metallic tang of fresh blood, a stark contrast to the earlier scent of gasoline.

The assailant's ruthless actions had transformed the chaotic scene into a tableau of horror.

A surreal stillness enveloped the intersection, interrupted only by the distant sounds of the city, now oblivious to the unimaginable violence that had unfolded beneath its radiant glow.

Raven released his final breath, his gaze blurred, fixated on the inky night sky above.

Unable to discern the features of the man who had mercilessly fired the fatal shots due to the stark backlight, Raven's fading vision captured only the silhouette of his assailant. 

The ominous figure hovered over him, a dark contrast against the shimmering city lights.

In his last moments, Raven's eyes shifted downward, drawn to the footwear that stood before him.

The pair of shoes, distinctively crafted by a renowned luxury brand, bore the unmistakable mark of exclusivity.

Limited edition, only seven in existence worldwide.

The meticulous craftsmanship was evident in every detail – from the rare materials to the intricate design, making these shoes a coveted symbol of opulence.

Raven's consciousness clung to the details, even in the face of impending darkness. The luxurious footwear became a focal point in his fading perception.

As the seconds ticked away, Raven's view of the limited edition shoes blurred, consumed by the encroaching shadows. 

The world around him plunged into an impenetrable darkness, and with his last exhale, Raven surrendered to the void.

*

Place: Harper Mansion

In one of the opulent house's rooms, a woman, once beautiful but now frail to the point of resembling mere skin and bones, lay bound to a care bed.

The room had been transformed into a psychiatric care space, and dim light seeped through the closed curtains.

As the door closed, the room filled with a subdued atmosphere, punctuated only by the faint sounds of distant conversations.

The woman, her appearance resembling a mere shadow of her former self, lay on the bed, limbs restrained.

"Good evening, Ms. Harper. How are you feeling today?"

Ms. Harper's distant gaze flickered slightly as she acknowledged the therapist's presence.

"Feels like I'm drifting, lost in this void."