Suddenly, a wave of overwhelming urgency to breathe crashes over me, and though I try with all my strength, it feels like I'm suffocating.
This terrible sensation is accompanied by intense weakness and exhaustion. I've never felt anything like it before. It's maddening!
With effort, I manage to regain a normal breathing rhythm. I'm surprised that it doesn't hurt at all—my lungs were damaged in the accident. Wait, if I'm breathing right now, that means… I'm alive!
Miracles are real! God granted my wish; now I have a second chance at life! I wouldn't even care if I woke up without legs. I swear, this time I'll make things right!
"XXXX…"
It seems like my senses are slowly coming back, one by one. I can hear voices around me, but the problem is, I have no idea what they're saying.
What language is that? Latin? I'm not sure—I've only ever heard it a couple of times in movies or maybe in some series.
"XXXX…"
I try to move my body, but it's impossible; my movements are clumsy and uncoordinated. Am I anesthetized? This is way too strange. I can only feel a gentle movement, like I'm being carried somewhere.
My vision returns next, and I squint my eyes open. A bright light, like one in an operating room, illuminates what looks like a room.
"XXXX…"
I adjust to the brightness, and the first thing I notice is a woman of extraordinary beauty, looking at me happily through her tears.
Her loose hair has ruby tones, her eyes are pink with long lashes, and beneath her left eye, there's a small beauty mark. She's wearing a white hospital gown, and though her face shows signs of exhaustion, her smile radiates warmth. She's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen—her beauty seems almost divine.
"XXXX…"
Following the woman's voice, I spot a man standing a little over a meter from her. His eyes, which look like they've been crying for some time, gaze at me with an expression of genuine happiness. It's the kind of look you only get from those who hold you dearest.
Like the woman, he's incredibly handsome—fair-skinned, blond, with light blue eyes. His arms appear well-toned, and his overall appearance reminds me of those princes from fairy tales.
Who are they? It's unsettling to be looked at that way…
"XXXX…"
It's as if they've witnessed a miracle, which, well, is exactly what happened. After that terrible accident, I'd probably react this way too. Anyway, I need to ask them where I am.
"Ah… ah…"
What the heck was that?! Why can't I speak properly?!
"Ah… ah…"
"XXXX…"
"XXXX…"
They're talking to each other, and it's painfully obvious they don't understand me. No matter how hard I try to form words, only faint cries come out. I hear other people speaking and try to look for them, but I can't move; the woman is holding me securely.
Then, the man steps closer and holds me with both hands.
What the hell is going on?! No matter how strong he is, it's impossible for him to carry an adult who's six foot one and weighs around eighty kilos!
The reality of it hits me like a bucket of ice water. I'm alive, sure, but I didn't wake up after the accident; I died and was reborn in another body.
Impossible! The last thing God said was, "Remember that life can end in an instant. You and he will have a second chance; live and forge a better path."
At no point did he say I'd be returning to that life…
I start crying hard.
Who cares if an adult cries like a baby! I'll never see my mother, my father, my friends, or even my brother again. I killed him… Wait, God did say, "You and he," so that must mean Louis is also in this world.
Even knowing that, I keep letting it all out.
I lost everything in the blink of an eye! The only reason I have to keep going with this stupid life is to find my brother.
"XXXX…"
The woman and the man exchange glances, smiling.
Why the hell are they happy?! I'm anything but! My life was perfect—I don't deserve to go through this!
Suddenly, the man hands me back to the woman, and she starts gently rocking me.
What the hell is she doing?! That won't work!
Without realizing it, I stop crying. Bit by bit, I start feeling sleepy, and despite trying to resist, I just can't fight it off.
"XXXX…"
After a few seconds, I fall asleep in the woman's arm.