THE TERMINAL THREE SUMMONS
Chapter I: The Collapse on the Concourse
Terminal 3 of the metropolitan international airport was a hive of frantic movement. Commuters rushed toward departure gates, flight announcement chimes echoed from vaulted ceilings, and outside the massive panoramic glass windows, jet airliners taxied through a driving rainstorm.
Pushing a heavy luggage trolley along the polished tile floor was Toby Vance, a nineteen-year-old ground services attendant. Wearing an orange high-visibility vest over his work polo and an employee security badge, Toby was in the middle of a double shift, transporting priority cargo between transit hubs.
A few yards ahead of him, an elderly man walked with slow, fragile steps, dragging a worn leather duffel bag. He looked well over eighty, dressed in a faded brown trench coat, his silver hair uncombed and his breathing strained.
Suddenly, the old man’s knees gave out.
With a heavy gasp, he collapsed onto the hard floor, his suitcase tumbling aside as he curled onto his side in agony.
Passersby stepped around him in a hurry, checking flight monitors and ignoring the fallen senior.
Toby didn't hesitate for a fraction of a second. Letting go of his baggage trolley, he sprinted across the crowded terminal.
"Sir! Are you alright?" Toby knelt on the cold tiles, gently supporting the man's head and shoulders.
From across the counter, a harsh, commanding voice cut through the air.