Date: July 4, 2010
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Ridgeview Community Hospital
The midday sun cast a warm glow over the hills surrounding Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. A gentle wind stirred the tall grass along Route 16 as a lone van pulled into the gravel parking lot of Ridgeview Community Hospital.
Nestled quietly between dense clusters of trees and the distant flow of the New River, the hospital stood like a calm refuge in the midst of wilderness, serving the people of Grayson County and the neighboring mountain communities for decades.
Inside the van, four figures emerged one by one.
Ethan Albarado stepped out first, adjusting his jacket as he looked at the modest white building ahead. Beside him was Lucas Graves, who squinted slightly under the afternoon sun, his yellow eyes scanning the structure with quiet curiosity.
Evan Cooper climbed out next, pulling the door shut behind him and taking a breath of the clean, mountain air. He looked back toward the last passenger.