I felt like I had been struck by lightning, freezing in place as a chill enveloped me.

Ivanna was too impulsive! At this age, couldn't she think more empathetically? Couldn’t she consider what she could do to fight for herself?

I sensed an unprecedented sense of helplessness.

Seeing me standing there like a statue, the medical assistant seemed a bit startled. She looked at me and asked, "Are you okay? Do you feel unwell? Do you need help?"

I collected myself, shook my head numbly, and weakly