Startled, she instinctively swerved to the other side.
From the opposite direction, another car approached, its headlights flashing in alarm.
Tildaâs face went pale as she slammed on the brakes.
The oncoming driver did the same, and the two cars came to a screeching halt, narrowly avoiding a collision.
The abrupt stop sent Tildaâs body lurching forward, her head striking the windshield.
A sharp pain shot through her forehead, and she felt a warm trickle of blood.
She raised a trembling hand to touch the wound, feeling the sticky wetness of blood.
In a daze, Tilda was unsure what to do.
The driver of the other car leaned out of his window, shouting angrily.
Behind her, the road was becoming congested with cars, their drivers honking and yelling.
âTilda!â Keanuâs urgent voice cut through the chaos.
He had been about to enter the mall when he heard the screeching brakes and saw Tildaâs car narrowly avoid a crash.
Panicked, he rushed over to check on her.
Tilda rolled down her window, her face pale.
âKeanu,â she whispered.
Keanuâs heart sank at the sight of blood on her forehead.
âTilda, youâre hurt!â
âItâs not a big deal,â she tried to assure him with a weak smile.
âGet out of the car,â Keanu insisted, trying to open the door.
Tilda hesitated, still in shock and unsure what to do next.
âHurry up!â Keanu urged, yanking the door open.
Tilda, seeing his insistence, reluctantly climbed out of the car.
Keanu quickly guided her to the passenger seat and then slipped into the driverâs seat to take over.
Meanwhile, at the entrance of the mall, Rosalynn, Karina, and Maggie had just finished shopping.
They witnessed the commotion from afar.
âIs that Tilda?â Karina asked, her eyes widening in surprise.