Morgan, we need to talk to you.
(The doctor, Nilah, said seriously.)
Mom, what's going on?
(Ixchel asked as she looked at her parents and the doctor with concern.)
Morgan's parents said nothing and looked completely serious. Seeing this, Ixchel started to panic.
Tell me what the hell is going on!!!
(Ixchel shouted, on the verge of tears.)
Morgan grabbed his sister's arm, trying to calm her down.
Hey, hey, calm down. Nothing's wrong, it's okay, calm down.
(Morgan said, smiling warmly at her.)
What do you want to talk about, Dr. Nilah?
(Morgan asked positively.)
Dr. Nilah approached the edge of his bed and crouched down. She looked worried, and Morgan noticed this. He just smiled, hoping to ease her nerves.
Nilah, seeing this, let out a big sigh and began to speak seriously.
I won't lie to you. You see, your treatment doesn't seem to be working. Your lungs are getting worse, and at this rate, you probably won't make it to the end of the year.
Dr. Nilah's voice broke as she spoke, and she seemed like she was about to cry.
What? What the hell do you mean by "won't make it to the end of the year"?
(Ixchel said angrily, with tears welling up in her eyes.)
You're his doctor, aren't you? Do your damn job, cure him, do something!!!
(Ixchel shouted, grabbing Nilah by the collar of her coat in a fit of rage.)
Morgan, seeing his sister's reaction, tried to get up to calm her, but he started coughing frantically.
Are you okay? Are you okay?
(Ixchel asked, worried and crying.)
Everyone in the room became alarmed and rushed to check on Morgan.
Ljoska!!!
(The mother exclaimed, very worried and unsure of what to do.)
Son, what's wrong!?
(The father asked as he massaged Morgan's back where his lungs were.)
No, it's nothing. It's nothing. I'm fine.
(Morgan said as he coughed.)
Morgan put his hand to his mouth and saw that he was starting to cough up blood. He was confused because this hadn't happened before.
You're getting worse faster than I imagined.
(The doctor said, feeling helpless.)
This is what I was discussing with your parents. What we wanted to tell you is that we need to perform surgery. If it goes well, you'll improve and might even recover.
(Nilah said as she wiped the blood from Morgan's mouth.)
But what if it doesn't go well? What then?
(Ixchel asked, scared.)
Dr. Nilah lowered her gaze and remained silent upon hearing the young girl's question.
What happens if it doesn't go well?!
(Ixchel repeated loudly and furiously.)
The risk of the operation is very high. If it doesn't go well, you'll die.
(Nilah said seriously.)
The room was filled with a suffocating silence after the doctor's words. But to Ixchel, that silence was a deafening scream tearing at her soul. At first, she couldn't react, as if her mind refused to process what she had just heard.
No...
(It was all she could whisper, her voice trembling.)
Her face lost all color, and her legs weakened, forcing her to hold onto the edge of the bed. But then, fear surged through her like an unstoppable wave.
No! That can't happen!
(She suddenly screamed.)
Her broken voice was a cry mixed with rage and despair. Her tear-filled eyes sought out the doctor, as if willing her to take back her words.
There has to be another option! He can't just… die!
(Ixchel said, terrified.)
She turned to her brother, who remained silent, too weak to even try to calm her. That stillness in him, that resignation, broke something inside her.
Say something!
(She pleaded, gripping Morgan's arm so tightly her own fingers began to hurt.)
Say you're not going to do it! Say you're not going to leave me!
Her tears streamed uncontrollably, soaking her cheeks as her breathing became erratic, almost hyperventilating. She dropped to her knees beside the bed, her trembling hands clutching the mattress.
I can't lose you! I don't want to lose you!
(She sobbed, her voice breaking with every word.)
Morgan tried to lift a hand to touch her, but he could barely move it. His weakness only made his sister cry harder.
How can you be so calm?
(She demanded, her voice raw, filled with fear and desperation.)
Please, don't leave me alone! I can't…
Her terror was palpable in every word, every tear. Images of a future without him overwhelmed her, as Morgan was the light that guided her through the darkness.
I'll do anything!
(She screamed, turning to the doctor with a tear-streaked face.)
Anything! Please, don't let him die! Whatever it takes, but not this!
Her body collapsed, trembling with pure panic. The weight of her thoughts was unbearable, and the pain she felt seemed to rip the air from her lungs.
You can't leave…
(She murmured finally, resting her forehead on the mattress.)
You can't.
(She murmured again.)
Morgan mustered his strength and hugged his sister.
Don't worry, don't cry. Whatever happens, I won't leave you alone. I promise. I promise.
(Morgan said resolutely.)
Here's the continuation of the translation:
---
Morgan's mother, deeply saddened, took Ixchel by the shoulders and gently pulled her away from the bed.
I'll take her outside to calm down.
(Morgan's mother whispered.)
Frey took Ixchel out of the room, the young girl sobbing inconsolably against her mother's chest. Frey tried to stay strong, but it was evident she was on the verge of breaking down.
I'll go with them. Think it through, Morgan. This is very important, so I'll give you as much time as possible, but remember, we don't have much time left.
(The doctor said.)
Dr. Nilah left the room with a pale face, trembling as though she were being consumed from within.
Morgan's father sat down beside him in silence. Morgan leaned back, lost in his thoughts. The quiet was finally broken when Morgan spoke, his words simple yet heartbreaking.
I don't want to die.
(Morgan said in a faint voice.)
What is it, son?
(Morgan's father asked, confused.)
I don't want to die, Dad. I don't want to disappear. I don't want… I don't want to leave you, Ixchel, and Mom.
(Morgan said as he began to cry.)
Morgan's father, realizing the depth of his son's despair, turned and hugged him tightly.
I don't want to die yet. I want to go back home with you all. I want to return to the sanctuary, go back to school with my friends. I want to go to college and graduate to become a veterinarian, just like you and Mom. I want to play with Ixchel again. I want to do so many things. I don't want to die. I don't want to die. Did I do something wrong? Is this happening because I did something wrong?
(Morgan said, crying inconsolably in his father's arms.)
No, son. You've done nothing wrong. On the contrary, you're the kindest, most gentle child in the world. You haven't done anything wrong at all.
(Morgan's father said, trying to hold back his own tears.)
I know you'll get through this. You're very strong, so strong. And you need to know that no matter what happens, I'm very proud of you.
(Morgan's father said, tears falling from his face.)
Morgan hugged his father tighter and tighter, desperately seeking comfort.
I know you'll get through this. I'm sure of it.
(His father said warmly.)
Whatever you decide, know that your mother and I will support you until the very end. So don't worry. Have faith that everything will be okay. I promise.
(His father said firmly.)
Do you promise?
(Morgan asked, still sobbing.)
I promise. Trust your old man.
(His father said with a big smile and a few tears on his face.)
Hearing his father's comforting words, Morgan let out a big sigh and finally began to calm down.
It was then that Dr. Nilah re-entered the room, looking a bit more composed.
We managed to calm Ixchel down, but I think it's best if you all head home for today. Morgan needs to rest.
(Dr. Nilah said kindly.)
Morgan's father gave a small smile and nodded. He stood up from the bed, but Morgan grabbed his arm, both strongly and fearfully. Noticing his son's reaction, he gently held Morgan's hand and smiled again.
You know, I was going to give this to you tomorrow, but I think I'll give it to you now.
Morgan's father pulled out a small necklace from his pocket. It was shaped like an Aztec calendar, carved in obsidian with gold fragments embedded in it.
This necklace was given to me by your grandmother before I left home to start my journey helping animal reserves around the world. The obsidian wards off bad energy, and the gold connects you to the divine. But above all, your grandmother gave it to me so I'd never forget where I came from. So, I'm giving it to you as a gift.
Morgan's father placed the necklace around his neck. Morgan held it, observing it with wonder.
"So I'm sure this necklace will protect you, and will always help you remember where you come from, son."
(Said the father joyfully)
"Are you sure? Did grandma give it to you?"
(Said Morgan, somewhat concerned)
"Of course I'm sure. Plus, I'm sure your grandmother would have loved the idea of you having it."
Morgan smiled excitedly when he saw the gift, so much so that he was able to put a big smile back on his face.
"Thank you, Dad. Thank you so much, I'll take good care of it."
(Said Morgan with a big smile)
Once again, Ixchel and her mother entered the room. Ixchel seemed somewhat embarrassed, and her mother looked a little tired. Ixchel seemed like she wanted to say something, but was too embarrassed, so her mother gave her a pat on the back, encouraging her to step forward and say what she wanted to. She took a deep breath and sighed before speaking.
"I'm sorry, brother. Earlier I lost control, so please forgive me."
(Said Ixchel, very embarrassed)
Morgan got up from his bed and slowly walked toward his sister.
"What are you doing?!!"
(Said Doctor Nilah, worried)
Morgan stopped her with his hand and approached his sister to hug her. "It's okay, it's okay, it's over now, everything will be fine, everything will be fine."
(Said Morgan, gently stroking her hair)
Ixchel felt relieved and returned the hug to her brother.
"Ahhh, me too!!!"
(Said Morgan's mother, shouting)
She also joined in and hugged both of her children tightly.
"Ahh, my children are so sweet!! They are the best thing that ever happened to mom."
(Said the mother, hugging them tightly)
"Okay, okay, it's time to go, we need to let Morgan rest."
Morgan turned around and spoke to the doctor with confidence.
"I'll have the surgery."
The doctor was surprised by the young man's decision and asked coldly:
"Are you sure? As I said, you could die."
The face of Doctor Nilah once again became cold, lacking hope, but Morgan took her hands and, with great certainty, said:
"Yes!!! I'm sure, I'm sure everything will be fine. I know that if you are the one to do it, nothing will go wrong, because you are the best doctor in the world, so I'm absolutely sure, because I trust you," giving a big smile at the end.
(Said Morgan, his eyes shining with hope and confidence)
Doctor Nilah's face lit up when she saw that smile, pure and innocent, free of malice. She began laughing loudly.
"Haha, so you think I'm the best doctor in the world? Haha, well, maybe you're right, but leave it to me, I'll make sure everything goes well, you can count on it."
(Said Doctor Nilah, returning Morgan's smile)
"I'd like to schedule the surgery for tomorrow, but maybe you'll be too tired, maybe it would be better to do it another day."
(Said the doctor thoughtfully)
"No, tomorrow's fine, tomorrow's fine."
(Said Morgan's mother, very confident)
"Tomorrow is November 9th, nine is Morgan's lucky number, so I'm sure everything will be fine, right darling?"
(Said Morgan's mother confidently, looking at her husband)
Morgan's father crossed his arms and nodded his head.
"Yes, you're right, my love."
(Said the father confidently)
"What do you think, Morgan?"
(Said the doctor, looking at Morgan)
"Alright, I'm ready."
(Said Morgan, very confident)
"Okay then, I'll schedule the surgery for tomorrow."
(Said the doctor calmly)
"Oh, I know!!! Why don't we have your birthday party today?"
(Said Morgan's father suddenly)
"Birthday party?"
(Said Morgan, confused)
"Yes, the truth is that your mom and I were planning to do your party tomorrow since we couldn't do anything last time because you were very sick, but why not do it now!!!"
(Said the father excitedly)
"Yes!!! That's a great idea, let's do it!"
(Said Morgan's mother, equally excited)
"Then, Doctor Nilah, do you think we can do my brother's party today?"
(Said Ixchel, pleading with the doctor)
"Don't worry, I'll take care of informing the hospital, you all bring what you need and let's do it, leave it to me."
(Said Doctor Nilah, giving a thumbs up and smiling)
"Alright, then let's get ready!!!"
(Said Morgan's mother excitedly)
"Yes!!!"
(Said Ixchel and the father at the same time)
Morgan's parents and Ixchel rushed out of the room to prepare the party.
"Rest up, looks like you'll have a very busy day."
(Said Doctor Nilah, a bit excited)
Morgan nodded his head and lay back in bed.
"Alright, I'll be back later, sleep well."
(Said Doctor Nilah, ruffling Morgan's hair)
Doctor Nilah left the room, and Morgan began staring at the ceiling. He couldn't help but feel excited about the party they were going to prepare for him, but after a while, he fell asleep and began dreaming. Morgan opened his eyes and saw that he was in a completely dark place. He walked a bit in the darkness, looked down, and saw his reflection beneath him, as if it were water. Suddenly, he saw an axolotl pass beneath him at great speed. He decided to follow it, so he started running after it.
He couldn't catch up no matter how hard he tried. The axolotl was swimming too fast, but Morgan didn't give up. He ran with all his strength, slowly getting closer to it, but just as he was about to catch it, he began to hear someone calling his name.
"Morgan, Morgan, Morgan."
He heard the echo of his name over and over again until Morgan finally woke up. It was Doctor Nilah calling him.
"Wow, you sleep very deeply."
Morgan rubbed his eyes and sat up a little.
"I was having a dream."
(Said Morgan, somewhat disoriented)
"Oh yeah? What dream?"
(Said the doctor, curious)
"I was in a dark place, and the floor looked like water. An axolotl started swimming quickly beneath my feet and I chased it, but it was really fast and I couldn't catch it."
(Said Morgan, still sleepy)
"Haha, what kind of dream is that?"
(Said Doctor Nilah, laughing)
"I don't know, but what I do know is that I slept very well."
(Said Morgan, yawning)
"Alright, sleepyhead, are you ready?"
(Said Nilah, excited)
"Yes, I'm ready!!!"
(Said Morgan, excited)
"Okay then, let's go."
Doctor Nilah left the room for a moment, then returned with a wheelchair, which Morgan sat in. Doctor Nilah quickly took him through the hospital until they reached a larger room, which was closed with two doors.
"Alright, let's go in."
(Said Nilah nervously)
"Yes."
(Said Morgan, also nervous)
Doctor Nilah pushed the wheelchair and opened the doors. As soon as the door opened, everyone shouted loudly.
"SURPRISE!!!"
Many people were inside the room, and everything was decorated with a dinosaur theme. Inside the room were Morgan's parents, Ixchel, some doctors and nurses, some patients, and the kids who came to hear Morgan tell a story.
And once again, everyone shouted at the same time.
"Happy birthday, Morgan!!!"
Morgan became very happy when he saw what they had prepared for him. He also saw two of his school friends in the room.
"Lily? Roy?"
(Said Morgan, surprised)
"Hey, how are you, bro? How's everything going?"
(Said the friend cheerfully)
"Yeah, yeah, how are you, Mor? It's been a while since we saw you. Sorry for not coming to see you, school's been a bit complicated lately, lots of exams."
(Said Lily, somewhat embarrassed)
"Don't worry, but what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at school?"
(Said Morgan, confused)
"Yeah, but your sister sent us a message and told us about your surgery and the party, so we asked for permission to leave and come here."
(Said Roy proudly)
"Actually, the whole class wanted to come, but they didn't let them. They only allowed the two of us."
(Said Lily, somewhat sad)
"But, we brought you this instead."
Roy took his phone out of his pocket, showed it to Morgan, and started playing a video. In the video, all of their classmates wished him a happy birthday and encouraged him to fight and not give up. Some teachers also wished him a speedy recovery and that everything would go well in his surgery. As the video played, Morgan's smile grew bigger and bigger.
"We also got you this."
Lily took out a box from her backpack, which contained 10 rings, all with different shapes, in black and gold colors.
"Sorry, everything happened so suddenly, and this is what we could get."
(Said Lily, embarrassed again)
"It's perfect, plus it matches this."
(Said Morgan, very happy, as he took out his necklace and showed it to Lily)
"That's really cool, bro. Who gave it to you?"
(Said Roy, surprised)
"My dad gave it to me."
(Said Morgan, proudly)
"It's awesome, really awesome, bro."
(Said Roy, showing the necklace to the others)
"So, is it time for the gifts now?"
(Said the mother, impressed)
"Then it's my turn."
Morgan's mother stepped out of the room for a moment and returned with a large sword, which had black leather on the handle and some runes carved into the blade, as well as the handle. At the end of the handle, there was a ruby embedded.
This is my gift for you, ljóska.
Morgan's mother handed him the sword, and he took it with great care. Morgan was fascinated by the sword and stared at it intently.
Hmm, as I thought, mom's gift is the best of all.
(Said the mother proudly)
Then, it's my turn.
Ixchel stood up and also stepped out of the room for a moment, only to return holding a large rectangle covered by a black cloth.
I didn't know what to give you because I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I made this. I hope you like it, little brother.
Ixchel removed the black cloth, revealing a painting. The painting showed what seemed to be a portrait of Morgan, but in it, he had pink hair, pink eyelashes, and eyebrows, as well as three pink gills on his head near where his ears should be. He wore elegant clothes and had a very calm and gentle expression.
I know you love axolotls, so I thought you'd like it if I painted you as one.
(Ixchel said, worried about Morgan's reaction)
Morgan was speechless and walked up to the painting, touching it.
It's beautiful.
(Morgan said, completely surprised)
It's amazing, Ixchel! It's incredible!!! What you did is a work of art!!!
Morgan rushed to hug his sister and repeatedly thanked her for the gift.
It's incredible! You must've worked so hard to make this! I love it! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
(Morgan said, overflowing with happiness)
I'm really glad you liked it, brother.
(Ixchel said, relieved)
Alright, alright, enough with the gifts. Let's put the candles on the cake.
(Said the father, clapping)
Everyone gathered around the table where the cake was, and they began singing "Happy Birthday."
Alright, son, blow out the candles.
(Said Morgan's father gently)
Make a wish, ljóska.
(Said Morgan's mother happily)
Morgan thought for a moment about his wish, and when he finally decided, he blew out the candles.
What did you wish for?
(Roy asked, curious)
It's a secret.
(Morgan said, winking)
Finally, the cake was served, and everyone got their share. The rest of the day was spent with Morgan and the guests playing, dancing, and chatting. Everyone really enjoyed the party until nightfall, when everyone returned to their rooms and resumed their work.
Alright, it's time for us to go home.
(Roy said, stretching)
Thanks for the party, I had a great time, Morgan. Hurry up and get out of here so you can come back with us. I can't stand being alone with Lily anymore. This girl is crazy, brother, really crazy.
(Roy said, pleading)
What did I do?
Lily was behind him, listening to what he was saying about her. A cold chill ran down Roy's spine, and he slowly turned his face, a nervous smile forming.
So, I'm crazy, huh, little bastard?
(Lily said with a devilish grin)
Like I was saying, thanks for everything, see you.
Roy quickly exited the room to avoid the wrath of his friend.
Come here, bitch, I want to talk to you for a bit.
But before Lily could run after him, she stopped for a moment, turning her back to Morgan.
Whatever happens tomorrow, I just want to remind you that what happened that time wasn't your fault. So, I hope you stop blaming yourself for it. See you, and make sure to come back. I need someone to help me with my history homework. See you, Mor.
(Lily said with a smile)
Lily finally ran after Roy, but those last words left Morgan deep in thought.
Is everything alright, ljóska?
(Morgan's mother asked, confused)
Yes, everything's fine, mom.
(Morgan quickly responded)
Wow, it looks like Ixchel fell asleep.
(Morgan said, noticing his sister sleeping in a corner)
Yes, it seems so. I think it's time to take her home.
Morgan's father stood up and carried Ixchel.
I'll take her. You stay with Morgan for a little longer.
At that moment, Morgan yawned.
Looks like this young man is sleepy again.
(Morgan's mother said teasingly)
Alright, I'll go prepare your bed, I'll be back.
(Morgan's mother said cheerfully)
Both parents left the room, and Morgan's father said goodbye to his son.
See you tomorrow, son. Everything will be fine. We'll all come to see you tomorrow, so sleep well.
(Morgan's father said, smiling)
Finally, Morgan's father left with Ixchel in his arms, and his mother went up to Morgan's room to prepare his bed. Morgan was left alone with Dr. Nilah. She sighed deeply and knelt down to Morgan's level.
Ahh, looks like I'm the only one who hasn't given you a gift.
(Dr. Nilah said, looking down)
Don't worry, it's not necessary.
(Morgan said, a little nervous)
The doctor pulled something out of her lab coat pocket, revealing what looked like a hair ornament, decorated with flowers.
You see, I was going to give this to my little sister before she... well, you know. I bought it because she loved flowers, but I never got to give it to her. So, please take it.
(Dr. Nilah said, extending the gift to Morgan)
No, no, I can't accept something so important. I can't.
(Morgan said, a little worried)
Please, accept it!!!
(Dr. Nilah said, her voice somewhat aggressive but seeming to break)
Noticing this, Morgan said nothing more and accepted the gift. Dr. Nilah was surprised and looked up at him, only to find him smiling warmly.
Thank you, I'll treasure it a lot.
(Morgan said gently, taking the gift)
Morgan took one of his hair locks and placed the accessory in it.
How do I look?
(Morgan said with a teasing smile)
Yes, very well, very well, it really suits you.
(Dr. Nilah said with a shaky voice)
At that moment, Morgan's mother entered the room.
Ahh, everything okay?
(Morgan's mother asked, somewhat confused)
Dr. Nilah stood up and turned her back to her.
Yes, yes, everything's fine, everything's fine. I'll... I'll check if everything is in order for tomorrow.
Dr. Nilah left the room quickly.
Is everything alright, son?
(Morgan's mother asked, still confused)
Yes, everything's fine, mom. Everything's fine.
Alright, then let's go.
(Morgan's mother said as she grabbed the wheelchair to start pushing it)
Morgan's mother pushed the wheelchair and took him to his room, where she laid him down. She lay beside him and started gently stroking his hair.
Do you know why I call you ljóska?
(Morgan's mother asked in a soft voice)
Yes, mom, you've told me that story many times.
(Morgan said, laughing softly)
Well, it's fine to tell you one more time... A long time ago, when your father and I had just gotten married, we decided to have children. But the doctor told me I couldn't have any, which made your father and me sad. But we still decided to try for a long time, until you were finally born. When I saw your face for the first time, I said... Ahhh, my baby is the most beautiful in the universe. From that moment on, I knew you were my ljóska, my treasure. Later, your sister came, and there's nothing that makes me happier than being your mom. I thank life and the gods every day for giving me two wonderful children like you. My heart has three parts: one has you, another has your sister, and the last one has your father.
Me too, I'm happy you're my mom. Even if they gave me a chance to choose again, I'd always choose you, mom.
(Morgan said as he fell asleep)
Never forget that mom loves you so much, and I would give everything for you and your sister. I'd do anything for both of you, my boy, my love, my treasure, my ljóska.
(Said Morgan's mother, trying not to cry)
Mom...
(Said Morgan before falling asleep)
Yes, ljóska?
(Said the mother, still stroking Morgan's hair)
I'm very tired, could you sing me a song?
(Said Morgan in a very soft voice)
Yes, dear, yes.
(Said the mother, shedding a few tears)
The mother began to sing to Morgan with a sweet voice.
The song "Herr Mannelig" is a traditional Swedish medieval ballad. Since it is an ancient work, its lyrics can vary slightly depending on the interpretation, but here is a commonly known version:
Original Swedish:
Herr Mannelig, Herr Mannelig, trolofven I mig
För det jag bjuder så gerna
I skogen han bodde, en trollkvinna var hon
Fast hon kom i en qvinnos skepnad.
Hon bjöd honom det bästa ur trollens förråd
Med gåvor hon hoppades beveka.
Hon bjöd honom fyra oxar med horn
Som de voro av björkveds-stubbar.
Herr Mannelig, Herr Mannelig, trolofven I mig
För det jag bjuder så gerna
Om I viljen, så svaren mig ja,
Om I nekar så blir det ej ja.
While the mother sang, outside the room stood Dr. Nilah, observing in silence. She smiled and slowly walked to what seemed to be a chapel, where she knelt and clasped her hands to pray.
I know it's been a long time since I came here, I know I haven't been the most devout, but if you're there, please, I ask you, let him live. For everything you hold dear, let him live. I beg you, I will do anything, but please, let him be saved. Let me save him, please, allow me to save him this time.
(Said Dr. Nilah while crying)
The night passed, and finally, the day of the operation arrived. Dr. Nilah came to Morgan's room to wake him up, so she began moving him until he woke up.
Morgan, it's time.
(Said Dr. Nilah seriously)
Morgan shook his head vigorously and put on a determined expression.
I'm ready.
(Said Morgan with full confidence)
Good.
(Answered Dr. Nilah seriously)
Bring the stretcher!!
(Dr. Nilah shouted loudly)
Some nurses entered the room with a stretcher and placed it next to Morgan's bed. He climbed onto the stretcher, and they began to take him to the emergency room. Outside the emergency room were Morgan's parents and sister waiting. The stretcher stopped so Morgan could speak to his parents.
I'll be back.
(Said Morgan cheerfully)
We'll be waiting here, son.
(Said Morgan's father confidently)
I'll be waiting, ljóska. Mom won't leave here for anything in the world.
(Said Morgan's mother, giving him a kiss on the forehead)
Hurry, brother, so you can come back and play with me at home and see the house I built.
(Said Ixchel with tears in her eyes)
Don't worry, I'll make sure everything goes well.
(Said Dr. Nilah, looking at them with confidence and certainty)
Morgan was finally admitted to the operating room, where he was placed on another stretcher surrounded by lights.
Alright Morgan, I need you to count to ten.
(Said a nurse in charge of the anesthesia)
Morgan started counting.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
When he reached the number 6, Morgan lost consciousness, and time began to pass differently for him. He could hear the doctors talking, but suddenly he began to feel like he was falling into an abyss, and above him was a light, a huge light.
His pulse is dropping, we're losing him, we're losing him.
Those words began to echo everywhere.
Huh? What's happening?
(Morgan asked as he let go)
Bring the defibrillator, quickly!!! 1, 2, 3, clear!!! Once more, quickly!!! Morgan, don't go, stay with me, I repeat, stay with me, Morgan!!! Morgan!!!
(Screamed Dr. Nilah with all her strength)
Morgan tried to reach for the light with his hand but finally let go, and the light disappeared, leaving everything in absolute silence.
Ah, so I... am...
(Said Morgan in his mind as he fell)
At that moment, a flame ignited, and the face of a skeleton appeared. Morgan was startled to see this, and suddenly, it fell to the ground. Morgan got up to see better, and the flame turned into a fire, one that illuminated the entire skeleton. It was enormous—Morgan had never seen anything so large. It had white eyes, its skin was stuck to its bones but was reddish in color. It wore a crown made of turquoise feathers and some gold accessories.
Morgan didn't say anything and just kept watching this intimidating skeleton.
Well, so you're not scared.
(Said the skeleton with a powerful, imposing voice)
Tell me, child, aren't you frightened?
(Said the skeleton as it placed one of its hands on its face)
How strange, I don't feel fear, I don't feel anything.
(Said Morgan, very confused)
Oh, how interesting.
(Said the skeleton curiously)
Many would be scared in your position, you know.
(Said the skeleton seriously)
Morgan sat down and began to think.
Ah, well, I once heard in a song that all fears go away once you face life.
(Said Morgan thoughtfully)
So, I am...
(Said Morgan, somewhat distressed)
Dead.
(Finished the skeleton's sentence)
That's right, child, you are dead.
(Said the skeleton, pointing a finger at Morgan)
Morgan lowered his gaze and sighed.
What's wrong? Don't you have anything to say? Aren't you going to beg me to bring you back to life?
(Said the skeleton, confused)
Can you do that?
(Said Morgan quickly)
No.
(Said the skeleton coldly)
Then, there's no point in asking you for something like that.
(Said Morgan, crossing his arms)
Don't you have any regrets, child?
(Said the skeleton seriously)
Well, I think I did what I could, so I guess it's okay.
But before Morgan could finish his sentence, the skeleton interrupted him.
You're lying.
(Said the skeleton in an intimidating manner)
You can deceive each other, you can even deceive yourselves, but you'll never deceive me, the Death, you'll never lie in my presence, and you, child, have more regrets than you appear.
Morgan froze at the affirmation of this giant skeleton.
But that doesn't matter now. It's time for you to finish your cycle.
The skeleton placed its hand underneath Morgan and lifted him.
What will happen to me?
(Said Morgan, resigned)
The skeleton, seeing this, snapped its fingers, and millions of stars began to shine, illuminating the eternal darkness that covered the place where Morgan was now.
What is this?
(Said Morgan, astonished)
This, child, is what you become once you complete your cycle on Earth. When I eat you, you will join the hundreds of millions of souls that once passed through here.
(Said the skeleton calmly)
Unlike what you humans believe about me, Death is neither good nor bad; it's simply part of the balance, an inevitable step in the endless cycle of existence, and the last step before merging as one with the infinite and vast cosmos.
(Said the god of death while showing Morgan the entire place and all the stars)
Ah, I see, I guess that's fine.
(Said Morgan, more at peace)
So, you won't do anything to stop it?
(Said Death, still somewhat confused)
No, besides, what can I do? I'm already dead. I just wanted to know what was going to happen to me.
(Said Morgan, resigned)
Yes, you're right. Then, let's not delay this any further.
The god of death lifted Morgan above his head and opened his mouth, ready to swallow him whole, when suddenly, another powerful voice shouted.
No!!!
The god of death was startled and turned his head to see who had stopped him, and from the darkness emerged a man with brown skin, long white hair, with a great turquoise line on his face, and golden accessories in his hair and earrings. His eyes were yellow and had the same shape as the necklace Morgan's father had given him.
You have the guts to come here, serpent.
(Said the skeleton, somewhat annoyed)
Sorry, sorry, I was just passing by and saw that you were about to eat that child, but don't you feel a little bad? From what I saw, he's a really good boy. Don't be cruel, give him another chance.
(Said the man playfully)
You will not interfere with my work, serpent.
(Said Death, very angry)
The god of death prepared to continue with his task, but once again, with a more commanding voice, the man stopped him.
I'm sorry, but I really can't let you eat him.
(Said the man with a defiant look)
Oh, so that's what you want, serpent? Then so be it.
The god of death and the man stared at each other intently, and the atmosphere felt tense. The imposing auras of both beings were suffocating Morgan.
However, I don't like to fight, so I propose something.
(Said the man playfully again)
Oh, what is it?
(Said Death expectantly)
Do you remember when I came here last time and asked you if you thought humans are born evil?
(Said the man kindly)
Yes, I will never forget that.
(Said Death, somewhat annoyed)
Well, I stand by my position and I believe that humans are born like blank slates, full of goodness and potential, but it is society that, with its shadows, draws their imperfections; still, I believe that a pure soul, free of evil, can illuminate even the darkest corner and transform the whole world.
(Said the man proudly)
Well, I haven't changed my mind. I've seen countless human souls pass through here, and they are definitely rotten. Evil is inherent to the human heart, a vestige of their primitive origins that emerges when reason yields to instincts.
(Said Death seriously)
Well, neither of us reached an agreement last time, so I propose this: let's make a bet. The boy you're about to eat is the ultimate proof of what I believe: that humans are good, and with the right guidance, they can become beacons of light for others, while you will surely think that he was lucky not to have encountered situations that would have made him change. So, how about we bet that the boy, no matter what happens, will never change his way of thinking or being, even if he's born again?
(Said the man excitedly)
The god of death started laughing loudly, his laughter so strong that it began to shake the place where they were.
Alright, alright, but we will do it under my terms.
(Said the god of death, somewhat threatening)
Sure, whatever you say.
(Said the man confidently)
What do you say, Morgan? Will you accept the challenge?
(Said the man with a smile)
Morgan paused for a moment, but in the end, he just sighed and said:
I guess this is better than nothing.
(Said Morgan with a slight smile)
Then so it shall be.
The god lowered Morgan back to the ground.
First, I will choose the world where you will be reborn.
A circle in the shape of Morgan's necklace lit up beneath him. The rings of this circle, with letters and images carved in them, began to spin. Morgan looked around, surprised.
And also, I will choose what you will reincarnate as.
Right in the center, where a face had been, Morgan was missing. It began to change shape quickly, and the images that appeared were of a human and different animals.
But now that I think about it, you like axolotls, don't you? So that's what you'll be.
(Said the god with a somewhat macabre smile)
Hey, that's not fair!!!
(Complained the man angrily)
I said we would do it under my terms, and if in the end, that boy changes and lets the world he will be reborn in consume him, then you will stay here forever.
(Said the god, pointing at the man in a very intimidating way)
The shape of an axolotl appeared where the face had been, and the circle began to burn with white flames. The man ran toward Morgan, holding a sphere that shone with different colors.
Take it, Morgan! Take it!!!
The god threw the sphere for Morgan to catch, and Morgan stretched out his hands, managing to catch the sphere.
That's it! That's it!!!
(Screamed the man)
Time's up, see you, boy. I know we'll meet again soon.
(Said Death menacingly)
The fire surrounded Morgan, and he curled up, pressing the sphere against his chest, merging with it. Finally, the fire completely covered Morgan, and he disappeared in a whirlwind of flames.
This will be quite interesting. Let's see how he fares in that world.
(Said the god mockingly)
Where did you send him?
(Said the man, worried)
The god didn't answer and showed his malevolent smile once again.
Morgan...
(Said the man, worried)
Once again, Morgan opened his eyes, and he saw that he was underwater. Naively, he started blinking, not believing what he was seeing, so he lowered his gaze to look at his hands and noticed they were small and pink.
Oh my God...
End of chapter.
Next chapter: A New World