The air crackled with a nervous excitement Alice Gricelle Johnson couldn't quite contain. Her mother, Brissia, beamed, stroking Alice’s purposefully curled hair. “You’re so beautiful, Alice. Kenzo will definitely like your appearance.” Richard, her father, leaned against the doorway, a faint smile playing on his lips as he asked about her gift for Kenzo. Alice, blushing, promised to deliver it in person.

“I will give a gift to Kenzo, something he will never forget, Mom!” Alice whispered to Brissia, a secret delight in her eyes. Her mother, knowing too well her daughter’s innocent heart, teased about a 'hot kiss.' Alice’s cheeks burned, but her smile was undeniable. This was it—the night she’d finally share her first kiss with Kenzo, a moment years in the making.

The car started, Richard at the wheel, Brissia beside him, Alice in the back. Snowflakes began to fall, swirling against the window. Then, a sudden, panicked cry from Richard. “Oh, God!” The brakes weren't working. The car hurtled forward, picking up terrifying speed. Alice screamed, her world collapsing as a black car loomed ahead. The sound of collision was deafening, metal shrieking, glass shattering. Smoke billowed. Alice, miraculously, managed to crawl out, her body aching, her parents motionless within the wreckage. “Help me!” she sobbed into the lonely night, her heart screaming for a sign of life where there was none.