It was 9 AM on a bleak morning, and Jaxx had been trapped in the suffocating grip of despair for 19 days since he learned about his illness. He spent his days in the confines of his small, one-room flat, staring blankly at the flickering television screen that filled the silence but provided no comfort. The once vibrant colors of the shows blurred into a dull haze, mirroring the numbness he felt inside.
His home, once a place of solace, had transformed into a reflection of his mental state. Trash piled up in every corner, remnants of takeout containers and empty bottles that he had lost the motivation to clean. Each piece of clutter felt like a reminder of his neglect, a physical manifestation of his inner turmoil. Dark circles under his eyes and lingering spots from days of crying testified to the sleepless nights he endured, haunted by thoughts of what lay ahead.
As he sat there, a sense of helplessness washed over him. The dreams he once held felt like distant echoes, and the vibrant life he envisioned for himself seemed to slip further away with each passing day. The countdown had begun, and with it, the realization that time was a luxury he could no longer afford. Jaxx couldn't help but wonder if this was how it would end—lost in the shadows of his own despair, surrounded by remnants of a life he once cherished.
Jaxx stands up from the couch, leaving the TV on, and makes his way to the bed as the clock strikes 9 in the morning. He's been awake all night, his mind racing with thoughts that kept him from sleep. With a heavy sigh, he finally lays down on the mattress, feeling the weight of exhaustion pull at him. Just as he starts to drift off, a video begins to play on the television he left running, filling the room with light and sound. The familiar chatter draws him back for a moment, but he fights to close his eyes and succumb to the sweet embrace of sleep, hoping to escape the chaos of his thoughts.
As Jaxx settles into his bed, a motivational video starts to play on the screen. A man appears, speaking with an intensity that cuts through Jaxx's drowsiness.
"Are you sure you want to live like this?" the man questions, his voice resonating with urgency. "Are you sure you want to spend the rest of your life cursing your parents for not being rich? Do you really want to blame yourself for not excelling at anything?"
Jaxx stirs slightly, his mind wrestling with the words. The man's voice continues to echo in the back of his head, awakening a sense of introspection he hadn't felt in a while.
"If not, then what's stopping you from living a good life?" the man continues, his voice growing more passionate. "No matter how much time you have left—be it two days, one month, one year, or even a hundred years—it doesn't matter. Live your life the way you want to! You don't need money inmillions or trillions to experience a fulfilling life.
So, what's truly stopping you?"
As Jaxx listens, a spark of determination ignites within him. The words resonate deeply, challenging him to confront the limitations he's placed on himself. The man's fervor pushes him to rethink his own choices and the life he's been living, stirring something inside that had long been dormant.
Jaxx turns off the TV, hoping to finally get some sleep, but to his surprise, the words of the man from the video begin to echo in his mind. No matter how hard he tries to push them away, they linger, refusing to let him rest. He tosses and turns, battling his thoughts for three long hours, but sleep remains elusive.
Finally, he sits up, feeling the weight of exhaustion yet unable to close his eyes any longer. With a resigned sigh, he washes his face, the cool water jolting him awake. He then makes his way to the window, where he sits down and gazes out at the sprawling lights of the utopian city below.
Jaxx leans against the cool glass of the window, staring out at the vibrant city lights. Suddenly, a wave of frustration washes over him, and he mutters to himself, "Fuck it. I can't keep living my life depressed in this shithole. So what if I have only thirty days to live? I'm going to live my life to the fullest!"
As those words escape his lips, a surge of determination ignites within him. The weight of despair begins to lift, replaced by a newfound clarity. He feels a sense of urgency that propels him to take action, to break free from the chains of self-doubt and regret. This is his moment—no more waiting, no more hesitating.
With each passing second, he resolves to embrace the time he has left, to seek out experiences that bring him joy and meaning. His heart races with the possibilities ahead, and he knows that this time, he won't let fear hold him back.
He takes out a well-worn book from his school bag, a notebook he has decided to name 30 Days to Live. On the first page, he attempts to write down what he wants to do for his bucket list, feeling a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. However, as he thinks about it, he wonders what he truly wants to achieve in the limited time he has left. While pondering his thoughts, he looks through the window and sees a tall skyscraper that towers majestically over the cityscape. Inspired by its impressive height and grandeur, he picks up his pen and begins to write something meaningful in the book.
Jaxx took a deep breath, feeling a newfound sense of purpose. "So, should we start completing the bucket list?" he asked, a hint of excitement in his voice. His first wish was simple yet meaningful: to put on clothes and dress like a true gentleman. It was a small step, but one that made him feel like he was reclaiming a bit of dignity and style in his life
Jaxx opened the cupboard, searching for anything that might be worth wearing like a gentleman. In the corner, he spotted his father's belongings—items left behind as a reminder of a life that once was. Among them was a classic black wedding suit and a pair of black shoes, both still in good condition. Next to them lay a cheap fake Rolex watch and a pair of orange goggles.
As he examined the items, a bittersweet smile crossed his face. "These were left by my father for my wedding," he murmured, his voice tinged with sadness. "But alas, I won't be getting married. I might as well use them now."
Jaxx slipped into the black suit, adjusting the jacket to fit snugly. He carefully laced up the polished black shoes, feeling a rush of nostalgia and a strange sense of purpose. With a deep breath, he headed out the door, determined to make the most of what little time he had left.
As he made his way to the utopian city he had always dreamed of living in, his heart raced with anticipation. This was the first step in completing his bucket list, and he was ready to embrace whatever the day would bring.
Jaxx arrived in the city, and his breath caught in his throat as he took in the scene before him. The vibrant lights illuminated every corner, creating a dazzling display that felt almost surreal. Unlike the grim realities he was used to, there was no negative energy lingering in the air—no trash cluttering the streets, no beggars seeking help.
Instead, sleek, high-speed spaceships zipped through the sky, their polished exteriors gleaming under the bright sun. Towering skyscrapers rose majestically, their glass facades reflecting the brilliant hues of the cityscape. The atmosphere was alive with laughter and chatter, and he could see people moving about happily, engaging in lively conversations and enjoying their day.
Jaxx, filled with wonder, made his way toward the towering skyscraper that had been a fixture in his daily life from the confines of his old home. The building loomed above him, its sleek lines and shimmering glass reflecting the vibrant lights of the city around it, casting an almost ethereal glow on everything below.
As he walked closer, the night air buzzed with energy, and he couldn't help but recall the countless hours he spent gazing at it from his small, cluttered room, dreaming of what it would be like to step inside. The prospect of entering this impressive structure sent a thrill of excitement through him.
With each step, Jaxx felt a mixture of anticipation and disbelief. This was no longer just a distant dream; he was finally here, standing before the reality of his aspirations. The skyscraper represented everything he yearned for—success, happiness, and a life beyond the mundane. The bustling nightlife around him, filled with laughter and the hum of conversation, only deepened his sense of wonder as he prepared to embark on this new chapter.
Jaxx stood at the edge of the bustling sidewalk, his eyes fixed on the skyscraper that had long been a symbol of his dreams. He desperately wanted to reach the top, to experience the breathtaking view he had always imagined. Just then, he spotted a janitor walking toward the building, a worn ID card hanging from his neck.
An idea flashed through Jaxx's mind. If he could just get his hands on that ID card, he might find a way inside. With a surge of determination, he waited until the janitor was distracted, then swiftly snatched the card from its lanyard. His heart raced with adrenaline as he slipped the ID into his pocket.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Jaxx approached the entrance of the skyscraper. He felt a mix of excitement and fear, knowing that if he got caught, it would spell trouble. As he flashed the stolen ID at the security guard, his heart pounded in his chest, praying it would work.
"Have a good day," the guard said, glancing at the card before waving him through.
Jaxx exhaled in relief and stepped inside the grand lobby, his pulse quickening. He had made it in, but he knew he had to move quickly. Time was not on his side, and he was determined to reach the rooftop before anyone discovered what he had done.
Jaxx hurried into the elevator, his mind racing with excitement and fear. He pressed the button for the top floor, the familiar hum of the machinery mixing with the rapid thump of his heart. Just as the doors closed, he caught a glimpse of the janitor, who looked down at his empty lanyard with a sudden sense of alarm.
"Hey! Wait!" the janitor shouted, but it was too late. The doors slid shut, sealing Jaxx inside as the elevator began its ascent.
As he felt the lift rise, Jaxx couldn't shake the feeling of impending danger. He glanced at the display, counting down the floors with mounting anxiety. His mind raced, imagining what would happen if the guards found out he had stolen the ID. He focused on the exhilaration of reaching the rooftop, but in the back of his mind, the thought of being caught loomed like a dark cloud.
When the elevator finally reached the top floor, the doors opened to reveal a breathtaking view of the city, sparkling under the night sky. But Jaxx didn't have time to take it in. He dashed out of the elevator, determined to make the most of this opportunity before the guards arrived.
As he stepped into the open air, the night breeze wrapped around him, and he felt an overwhelming sense of freedom. Yet, he could hear the distant sounds of alarm bells ringing out below, the echo of the janitor's warning still fresh in his ears.
Jaxx stood on the edge of the skyscraper, the wind whipping around him with a fierce intensity. His feet trembled slightly as he fought to maintain his balance, but he couldn't tear his eyes away from the breathtaking view before him. The city sprawled out endlessly, a tapestry of shimmering lights and towering buildings, each one glowing like a star against the night sky.
The fast winds whipped through his hair, and he felt a rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins. Despite the unease in his legs, the sheer beauty of the scene captivated him. It was everything he had ever dreamed of—a vibrant, utopian city where happiness seemed to radiate from every corner.
Jaxx took a deep breath, letting the cool air fill his lungs. For a moment, all of his worries and fears faded away, replaced by a sense of awe and possibility. This was his chance to truly live, to embrace the life he had always yearned for. As he gazed out over the metropolis, a flicker of hope ignited within him.
Jaxx looked at his watch; it was 11:59 PM. One minute left before 12 AM.
And then…