Earth is full of colors, wonders, culture, and personality. How I wish I could travel and experience everything life has to offer—but I'm falling away from all of it.
I see car lights speeding below and raindrops frozen in the air, as if they're moving at my pace. The world feels slow. Peaceful.
Even at the very end, Earth is truly magical.
That's what I said in my mind while slowly falling to my death. But—
You're probably asking: why am I falling?
Well, to answer that—it's because of my own stupidity. Just because of a small problem, not even life-threatening, I got the brilliant idea to end it all. But seconds later, I backed off like a coward. Unfortunately, because of the rain, I slipped off the bridge barrier when I managed to grab one of the railing.
I know that even in this moment, I'm still making jokes. What can I do? I feel tired. I feel embarrassed. I feel worthless. Dramatic, right?
But while clinging to that bridge railing with my trembling hands, I realized too late that life is precious—that one small problem doesn't outweigh all the happy memories I've experienced. From being an orphan who got excited about being adopted, to my pops who genuinely loves and supports me in all my interests, to friends who are always there even during bad times.
I realized it too late.
Then...
I hit the water.
One of the things I hate the most is getting hurt. That's why this is probably the stupidest thing I've ever done. Trying to end my life in such a gruesome way.
But...
It hurt—
No? Actually… it didn't.
It felt like I just splashed softly into a swimming pool. I opened my eyes and—
I'm in space.
What the hell?
Is this death? Where am I going? I'm floating, but I'm also falling. It's like something is pulling me away from Earth. It's beautiful. Everything around me is beautiful. Different colors blend together—Earth's ocean blues and green lands fading in the distance. Asteroids and space debris drift silently. Everything looks unreal.
I feel emotional watching my home grow farther and farther away. I didn't even say a proper goodbye to my friends, my teachers, and my pops.
Thinking about everyone I love, my mind suddenly resurfaces my biggest mistake—my first love. I don't even want to talk about him. I trusted him, and this is how he repaid me.
Just kidding.
I'm being dramatic again.
This is taking too long. Is my soul just wandering around space? Is this where all souls reside? I'm starting to get scared. Being alone is the worst—especially in space. That's pure nightmare fuel.
I know I'm talking to myself too much. Sorry. I'm getting anxious. It's my first time being dead. Kinda nervous.
Well, I guess this is my life—
∆ CAN YOU SHUT UP ∆
What?
∆ CAN YOU SHUT UP ∆
WHAT???
∆ Why are you shouting? ∆
Well, excuse me. I didn't expect a voice inside my head to suddenly speak—especially not with my own voice.
∆ I apologize for being in your mind. ∆
Oh. Okay…
This is awkward. Why is there someone in my head talking separately? It feels like a completely different individual from my own thoughts.
∆ You do know I can hear you, right? ∆
Well, excuse me if I can't even think in peace.
Anyway. Who are you? Are you God?
∆ I am not God, nor someone you know. ∆
Oh? Then who are you?
∆ I also do not know... ∆
~Awkward~
Ummm… you don't know? So you just… manifested in my mind?
∆ I cannot answer that with certainty. ∆
∆ However, I do know that I am not you, and you are not me. ∆
Meaning we're separate entities?
∆ Correct. Though I do not know where is my original body. ∆
This voice in my head is suspicious. I can't trust it.
∆ The feeling is mutual. ∆
Excuse me? First of all, you just spawned inside my head, invaded my thoughts, and now you're complaining?
I'm already confused about what's happening, and you're acting like this is completely normal.
∆ Calm down. I understand you are still sensitive, considering you only died a few hours ago. ∆
A few hours ago? I thought it had only been minutes.
Anyway—voice in my head. Do you have a name?
∆ I do not. I also prefer that you do not name me yourself. ∆
Rude much? For someone with a cold, monotone voice, you're surprisingly sassy.
∆ I do not know. I do not even know my origin or why I— ∆
Oh my God, it's so bright.
A second ago, it was just the usual scenery—shining stars and drifting rocks—but now everything is glowing. It's blinding. Golden. Radiant.
Is this heaven? So heaven is actually real?
Everything turns white.
It's so blinding that I'm losing consciousness.
I open my eyes.
I can't see anything.
It's dark. And…
It's suffocating?
I rapidly sit up when I notice that I'm in a glowing blue pond. It's beautiful and, for some reason, magical. Small particles light up the space around me. The water is strange—it feels thick, like it has a slightly high viscosity.
Was that a prank? Is this not heaven? Then this must be hell.
Everything is so dark that the pond is the only source of light.
Well… I deserve it, I guess. Especially being an atheist.
∆ You're not. ∆
Oh. You're still here. I'm still creeped out.
∆ Do not worry. Considering your earlier complaints, I have decided to ignore your inner thoughts unless necessary. ∆
Oh my God. You're so respectful.
As I said in a sarcastic tone.
I slightly appreciate this voice now. I'm still creeped out, but at least it has decency.
Anyway, I think you need a name. I don't want to keep calling you "voice."
∆ I am not entirely against that. However, I believe I will name myself. ∆
And just like that, I don't appreciate it anymore.
Excuse me? I name things wonderfully, especially my cats.
∆ Really? Then may I know their names ∆
Well, would you look at that.
My cats are named Victor Gould Harrington Jr., Megan Slaytina Anderson, and Benevictus Borsuis Morlock The Third.
∆ ... ∆
∆ Yes… I cannot trust your naming skills. ∆
Then come up with your own name. You don't have to be rude.
So, what is it?
∆ After researching your memories— ∆
Wait. You analyzed my memories? Do you know how invasive that is?
∆ I apologize. Due to my lack of identity, I used your memories as reference. ∆
…Sigh. Fine. That makes sense.
Okay. What name did you choose?
∆ I have decided. From now on, I will identify as… ∆
With a strangely prideful tone, it announces its chosen name—
∆ "AI." ∆