My life is about to end...
The end comes for everyone.
His family was gathered around his hospital bed. His two grown sons were crying over his body — except for his wife, who had already passed away. As the boys mourned and cried in despair, the old man on his deathbed spoke his last words.
"You're crying just like you did when you were children, hahaha..." he laughed, but his laughter was soon interrupted by a dry cough. "Cough cough!"
"I will carry this memory with me forever... to heaven, my beloved ones..." Even though he was trying to lighten the mood, it was evident in his weak voice that the end was near.
And then, the oldest boy takes the lead, with beautiful red hair, contrasting beautifully with his black eyes. He looks at his father, now bald and living only thanks to an oxygen mask.
He places his father's hand between his hands. "Dad! Why... did you have to go?!"
"Because my time has come, son. Living a long life is a curse, and I've already lived everything I ever wanted to."
"So please don't mourn my death. Don't hold on to it forever."
"BUT DAD!"
"Brother." His younger brother puts his hand on his brother's shoulder, a warning to calm down.
The younger brother, with light eyes and dark hair, was sitting behind his older brother. Crying inside, unlike his older brother, who was crying openly, letting all his emotions show.
"I only wish one thing for you, my sons..." His voice, which was already weak, grew even weaker. Those were definitely his last words. "Live your lives without regrets. Just like me, please..."
After the words were spoken, silence echoed through the room. The only sound present was the fan, which drowned out the sound of the brothers' crying.
And then, with the silence, my vision darkened.
I died.
But strangely, I regained consciousness not long after I died—I think.
But what...?
Where am I?
Didn't I die?
A totally mystical place, I didn't even believe in gods. And not even in reincarnation...
I can't feel my body. But I can see, and I was a... White ball?
Or a sphere of light? Well, whatever. Apparently I'm really having a unique experience after my death.
This place is quiet and empty enough to make me uncomfortable. But at least it's stunning. These stars, this purplish hue... remind me of the past. When I used to lie on the grass with my wife and children...
Even though I pretended to be strong, I just wanted to see them again.
Argh! What the hell?! — My vision was suddenly cleared by a bright light that could blind anyone. — Fwooom!
Why is it getting so bright? — I quickly put my arm over my face.
I wonder where I ended up. — Suddenly, I feel my strength draining away, and I feel myself being drawn to something. — That flash... Is it pulling me?
Shit!
I can't walk in this orb form!
Ahhh!! — I was completely sucked into the light, and even though I didn't have a body, I felt the cold consuming me. The same cold I felt when I died.
— Argh! — I woke up lying in a totally different place, but I just ignored it and quickly bent over to sit up.
— THAT WAS SURREAL!
— WHAT HAPPENED?! — I start touching my body everywhere, checking if everything is okay.
— Ah, everything is here...
— But... I didn't die?
"By the way, where am I?" Looking around, I recognized the place I was in, it was a house. Probably from East Asia.
"..." A brief silence echoed through the room.
"Everything is very strange."
"This house is furnished, so someone lives here." Looking at the furniture, I see a mirror on the wall.
"This house seems to be from Japan, judging by its simple and refined style."
"Ah! Right, I should take a look at myself!" I quickly get up and run towards the mirror. — Tap tap tap.
"But what..."
"Who is that?!"
The silhouette of a mature man appeared in the mirror, with messy, short, dark hair. Along with brown eyes. His build was similar to that of an out-of-shape teenager.
"What happened?"
As I stared at myself in the mirror, I heard a sound from afar. Someone opening the front door. — Clack!
"I'm home, honey!" A female voice shouted, and the sound echoed throughout the house, already catching the man's attention.
Honey?
Did I break into a couple's house?
Damn!
I should hide!
Thud!
Before he could hide, a woman opened the door. Slam! A mature silhouette, long hair red at the roots, turning light pink at the tips. Eyes as blue as the sky, as clear as crystal waters.
She saw her husband lying on the floor, completely exhausted. Something that was unusual, since he was a serious man.
— Pffft! — She covered her mouth, but couldn't resist. — Hahahahaha!
"I never imagined seeing you like this!" The woman burst out laughing, seeing her husband in that funny situation.
"Huh? Are you laughing at me?"
"Of course! Who else would it be? Hahahaha!"
"So you know me?"
"Enough silly questions, let's make dinner!" She then walks toward her husband and pulls him by the arm, smiling.
"What? Wait a minute!"