After A Trip to Save Lives, Our Family was Hacked

If only I hadn't gone to the East Lake that day.

If I had just stayed home, none of this would have happened—no accident, no cyberbullying, no tragic leap by Mom.

During the Memorial Day break, the peonies at East Lake were in peak bloom.

Seeing the perfect weather, Mom wanted to drag both Dad and me out for a flower-viewing day.

With a pile of fresh exam papers to get through, I initially wanted to stay home but decided to let them have their day out.

Mom wasn't pleased, pouting as she spoke, "You know, science shows that taking breaks can boost your study efficiency. We're finally off for a day—let's enjoy it. Too much studying can dull the brain."

"Sure, finals are crucial, but so is your health. It's just half a day; I promise, you won't fall behind on your exams."

"Those exams will still be there tomorrow, but these peonies won't last forever."

"You've always loved peonies, haven't you?"

"Oh come on, my darling, let's go—please~"

Mom gently nudged me, her voice coaxing. I couldn't help but smile, "Mom, who's the parent here? You're too old to act this cute."

Turning to Dad, who was trying to stifle his laughter, "And you, it's all your doing. You spoil her rotten, every single time."

My parents had a deep bond; they hadn't argued once in their twenty years together.

At forty-something, Mom still looked as youthful as someone in their late twenties or early thirties.

Whenever we went out, people mistook us for sisters rather than mother and daughter.

"Love keeps you young," they say, and it was truly evident in Mom.

Unable to resist Mom's persistent charm, I put my pen down and joined them for a trip to East Lake.

It was my first leisure outing since the start of my senior year.

Mom was all animated, sharing the latest gossip she'd heard, even dancing a little as she spoke.

Dad and I played up the mood, laughing along with her.

Indeed, stepping out for a bit really did help to lift our spirits.

We were leisurely walking by the lake when suddenly, cries for help pierced the air:

"Help! Someone help! There's someone in the water!"

Dad reacted instantly, tossing his backpack to me and sprinting towards the pier.

Before Mom and I even reached him, he was already diving into the lake.

There, a girl in a yellow dress was desperately struggling, gasping, and coughing as she began to sink.

Dad reached her just in time, pulling her back to the surface and swimming back to shore.

The onlookers helped as Dad lifted her onto the dry ground.

As people moved away, I peered forward for a better look.

Shocked, I realized it was Megan, my class rival!

Both of us being top students, the rivalry between Megan and I had always been intense.

While I usually came out on top, she was consistently a close second.

She'd been always striving to outdo me, yet her every attempt failed her, and it pissed her off so much.

Seeing her struggle in the water was unexpected, but luckily, my dad was there just in time to save her life.

Before he opened his restaurant, Dad had spent two years as a lifeguard.

The waters of East Lake are known for their depth, a place where few would dare to venture in for a rescue.

Dad knelt down, immediately starting CPR on Megan.

She coughed up water for a moment, and the crowd around breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thanks... Ugh..."

She started to thank him, but upon seeing me, her expression changed to one of discomfort.

The crowd inquired if she felt pain anywhere.

Megan paused, then hesitantly spoke, "I felt someone touch me..."

She stopped, her eyes tearing up, "It hurts... down there."