Sara Bennett stood in front of the small window of her house, staring at the dark street outside. Her heart was heavy with worry. Bills were scattered across the old wooden table behind her, each one reminding her of the same painful truth.
They were drowning in debt.
Her father had borrowed money months ago when his business failed. At first, he promised everything would be fine. But things only got worse.
Now the people they owed money to were no longer patient.
A loud knock suddenly echoed through the house.
Sara's heart skipped a beat.
Another knock followed, this time louder and more aggressive.
"Sara…" her younger brother whispered nervously from the corner of the room. "Who is it?"
Sara already knew the answer.
Taking a deep breath, she slowly walked toward the door and opened it.
Three men stood outside.
They were tall, dressed in black suits, their faces cold and emotionless. One of them stepped forward, looking at Sara as if she was nothing more than a problem to solve.
"Is your father home?" he asked.
Sara swallowed nervously. "He… he is not here right now."
The man's expression didn't change.
"That's unfortunate," he said calmly. "Because he owes us a lot of money."
Sara felt her stomach tighten.
"We know," she said softly. "Please… just give us a little more time."
The man laughed quietly, but there was no humor in it.
"Time?" he repeated. "Your father has already had plenty of time."
He leaned slightly closer to her.
"You have three days," he said in a cold voice.
Sara's breathing became heavy.
"If the money isn't paid in three days," he continued, "we will take something else instead."
Sara's hands started shaking.
"Please… we are trying," she whispered.
The man looked at her for a long moment before turning away.
"Three days," he repeated.
The men walked back toward the black car waiting on the street. Within seconds, the engine started and the car disappeared into the darkness.
Sara slowly closed the door.
Her brother looked at her with fear in his eyes.
"What are we going to do?" he asked.
Sara didn't answer.
Because deep down…
She knew there was only one way to save her family.
And that decision would change her life forever.