Hearts On Campus
Chapter 1-1
A small house engulfed in smoke and flames. Sirens wail in the distance. Neighbors shout in panic as they try to help.
The father, stumbles out of the burning house carrying his 6-year-old daughter, Adaline. He collapses on the ground, coughing and bleeding. Neighbors rush to him.
Neighbor 1
Marcus. Marcus. Can you hear me?
Neighbor 2
The child—Adaline! Her arms—look at her arms!
Adaline
*sobbing, in pain*
It hurts, Pa… it hurts so much…
Ada's Father
*barely able to speak*
I… I got her out… the flames… they caught her sleeves… I couldn’t… I couldn’t reach Anna… or Ava..
Neighbor 1
*carefully covering Adaline's arms with a damp cloth*
Shh, sweetheart. We’re going to take care of you. Just hold on
Ada's Father
*eyes widening in horror*
I tried… I tried to go back. The fire—it spread too fast… Anna was in the kitchen. Ava was in her room. I… I couldn’t…
Adaline
*crying*
Papa… where’s ma? Where’s Ava?
Ada's Father
*voice breaking*
I’m sorry, darling..I tried…
Flames roar behind them. A loud cracking noise comes from the house as part of the roof caves in.
Neighbor 2
*to others*
Call the ambulance again! He’s losing too much blood!
Neighbor 1
*tears streaming*
Oh God… Anna… little Ava…
Ada's Father
*barely conscious*
I should’ve saved them… I should’ve… gone back…
Paramedics arrives, one kneels to Marcus and another assess Adaline.
Paramedic 1
Burns on the child’s arms—second degree, possibly third. She’s in shock. We need both of them in the ambulance, now.
Paramedic 2
Sir, can you hear me? You’re going to the hospital. Just hold on.
Ada's Father
Tell them… I’m sorry… tell them I’m so sorry…
Adaline is gently lifted onto a stretcher beside her father. She reaches for his hand with her burned arm, crying quietly.
Adaline
*wispers*
don't leave me pa.
Ada's Father
*squeezing her hand faintly*
Never, darling… I’m right here…
The ambulance doors close. The fire rages on in the background, and neighbors stand in stunned silence.
Chapter 1-2
The hallway is dimly lit and quiet, except for the occasional distant beep of machines.
Ada lies on a pediatric bed nearby, bandaged and asleep under sedation. Neighbor Leah watches over her. Suddenly, the entrance doors swing open and a man rushes in—Timothy, Marcus'ss younger brother, eyes wild with panic.
Timothy
*breathless, to receptionist*
Marcus Thorne- was brought in with his daughter, Adaline. Where are they?
Receptionist
They’re both in treatment. Marcus's out of surgery but in critical care. His daughter is in pediatrics. You’re family?
Leah stands as she sees him and walks over.
Neighbor 1
*gently*
Timothy.
Timothy
What happened? How did this happen?
Neighbor 1
*eyes welling*
It was a fire… short circuit, they said. Marcus got Ada out, but—he couldn’t save Anna or little Ava. He… he nearly died getting Ada out.
Timothy staggers slightly, the weight of the news hitting him. He covers his mouth, his eyes red.
Timothy
*slowly*
Anna.. Ava.. no..
He walks slowly over to Ada's bedside. She stirs a little in her sleep, letting out a soft whimper. Her arms are covered in sterile dressings.
Timothy
*kneeling beside her*
I’m here now, Ada. Uncle’s here… I’ve got you, baby.
The doctor approaches quietly
Dr. Remer
Mr. Thorne? Your brother made it through surgery. He’s unconscious but stable. We’re monitoring him in ICU. It’ll be a long recovery.
Timothy
*nods, wiping his face*
Thank you doctor. and adaline?
Dr. Lucy
She’s stable, but the burns are serious. We’ll need to monitor her for infection, and she’ll need dressing changes daily. Emotionally… it’s going to be a difficult road.
Timothy glances back at Ada, guilt and protectiveness mixing in his eyes.
Neighbor 1
No one saw it coming, Tim. But you're here now. And they need you more than ever.
Tim walks to the ICU window. Through the glass, he sees Marcus unconscious, bandaged and intubated. Machines beep steadily beside him.
Timothy
*to Marcus*
You saved her, brother. You did what only a father could do. I promise… I’ll take care of her now. Of both of you.
Chapter 1-3
: Hospital – Pediatric ward :
Ada, wrapped in a child-sized hospital gown with her arms still bandaged, sits up in bed. Her face is pale but alert. Uncle Tim sits beside her, holding a small cup of warm juice. A nurse enters.
Nurse
*smiling gently*
Hi sweetheart. You’re doing so well today. How would you feel about visiting your papa?
Adaline
*eyes lighting up, voice hoarse*
Can I? Really?
Timothy
*softly, helping her sit up*
Only for a little while. He’s still resting, okay? But he’ll be so happy to hear your voice.
The halls are quiet, sterile. Machines hum behind the doors. Tim walks slowly, guiding Ada by the hand. They stop in front of a large glass window. Inside, Marcus lies motionless—tubes attached, oxygen mask on, burns bandaged along his arms and side. His chest rises and falls steadily.
Adaline
*whispers*
Is he sleeping?
Timothy
*kneeling beside her*
Yes, darling. The doctors are helping him get better. But he can hear you, okay? Just talk to him.
They step in. The room smells faintly of antiseptic. Ada hesitates, then slowly walks to the side of the bed. Her small, bandaged hand reaches out and touches his fingers.
Adaline
*softly, tearful*
Papa… I’m here. I’m okay now. Uncle's with me… and Auntie Leah too.
Marcus doesn't move, but the monitor blips steadily. Tim watches silently, holding back tears.
Adaline
I miss Mummy… and Ava. But I know you tried. I saw you… when you picked me up… even when the fire was all around.
A slight twitch in Marcus’s hand. Ada gasps softly.
Adaline
*excited*
Uncle! He moved! He really heard me!
The monitor’s rhythm speeds slightly. A nurse enters, surprised.
Nurse
That’s good. That’s very good. His vitals just responded. Keep talking to him, sweetie.
Ada sits on a nearby chair, eyes locked on her father, hope rising in her chest.
Adaline
*softly*
I love you, Papa. Please come back soon. I’m being brave—just like you always tell me.
Tim places a hand on her shoulder, holding her close.
Timothy
*to Marcus*
She’s here, brother. Your little warrior is right here. And so am I. We’re not going anywhere.
They leave the quiet room filled with warmth, grief and fragile hope.
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