When I opened my eyes, there was only darkness. I felt like I was floating in an abyss, surrounded by an eerie silence—nothingness, absolute emptiness. Time became a blur. Was it a day? A week? I lost track. My mind was consumed with worry for my family. What had happened to them? And what had happened to me? The last thing I remembered was cursing myself while gazing at the stars from my balcony.
Dark thoughts plagued me. Had my family finally had enough of me and sold me off to some shady gang? But no, even in my uselessness, they wouldn't stoop to that level. They continued to support me, despite our grim circumstances. Tears welled up as I realized how much of a burden I had become.
I cried uncontrollably, longing to see my family, promising to work at a convenience store if only I could be with them. I didn't want to be alone in this void.
Amidst my tears, I saw a faint light approaching rapidly. Fear gripped me as I braced for impact.
Then, I heard it—a baby's cry. Though the darkness persisted, the cry pierced through the silence, offering a glimmer of hope.
But what followed was incomprehensible. Voices, speaking in strange tongues, echoed around me. I pleaded for help, but no one answered. I was lost in a sea of confusion and despair.
Suddenly, something warm and comforting enveloped me. It eased my worries and filled me with a sense of peace. I welcomed it, craving its embrace.
[Next day]
When I awoke, I was greeted by a towering figure—a beautiful woman with violet hair and piercing black eyes. Her warm smile soothed my soul, but I found myself unable to move.
A young woman beside her unpinned her blouse, offering her breast to me. Embarrassment flooded my senses, but I couldn't resist the allure of comfort and security it promised.
After drinking, the young woman cradled me in her arms, and I drifted into a blissful sleep.
*****
As I opened my eyes again, a different woman stood before me—a kind auntie. I tried to speak, to move, but I was powerless.
She lifted me gently and carried me across the room. It was then that I saw her—a beautiful baby with black hair and eyes, cradled in another woman's arms.
But something didn't add up. Why was the auntie holding both me and the baby? And why was the scene before me shifting and changing?
Before I could make sense of it all, darkness enveloped me once more.
*****
[Night time]
In the darkness, a familiar voice echoed.
"Ah, my little darling, here I am! Bubububu."
I realized then—I had become a baby.
In this new life, I was greeted by a beautiful woman, whom I soon learned was my mother, and a kind maid who tended to me.
But questions lingered. Who was my father? Did I even have one? And how would I navigate this world as a baby?
Determined not to repeat the mistakes of my past life, I resolved to grow quickly, to learn the language, and to make my mother proud.
But for now, the warmth of my mother's embrace and the sweetness of her milk lulled me into a peaceful slumber.
"Madam Angi, the young miss is sleeping so peacefully!"
"Yes, Martha, my little princess is so adorable."
"What about Master Karnel, madam?"
"I've written to him about our daughter. He must be eager to meet her."
"And the war, madam?"
"It will be a long struggle, but I pray for his safe return."
As I drifted off to sleep, surrounded by love and warmth, I knew that in this new life, I would cherish every moment and make the most of my second chance.