Act as a seasoned novelist with expertise in dark fantasy and psychological thrillers. Craft a gripping opening chapter for a novel about a protagonist who suddenly gains the ability to see the exact death date of every person they encounter. The setting should be [MODERN-DAY CITY], where the protagonist struggles with [MORAL DILEMMAS] of intervening or staying silent. Incorporate eerie, cinematic descriptions of [VISUAL CUES] like flickering streetlights or ominous shadows to heighten tension. The tone should be haunting yet introspective, exploring themes of fate, free will, and the burden of forbidden knowledge. Avoid clichés and focus on raw emotional depth.