"Honestly, I don't see the point of school. My parents are wasting their money on tuition fees. We could've invested that in a family business instead. Even if I excel academically, what's the use? My time is limited, and I won't have the chance to pursue a career. Once I graduate from high school, my life will be hanging by a thread. I'll have only months left."
Let me take you back to where it all began...
"My name is Casey Wilder, and I was born into a loving family. But my life took a dramatic turn when I was just five years old. That's when I was diagnosed with Chrono Degeneratio Mortalis, or CDM - a rare congenital condition that accelerates cellular degeneration, leading to premature aging and a drastically shortened lifespan.
People with CDM typically don't live beyond 10 to 30 years, with 40 years being the rare exception. My little sister, Ciara, is 10 years younger than me, and she's always been my rock. Despite her efforts to cheer me up, I've struggled to find genuine happiness. I'd often force a smile to avoid hurting her feelings.
As I grew older, I couldn't shake off the nagging questions: What's the purpose of my life? Why am I here? What's the point of living when my time is so limited?"
As Casey walked to school, the familiar buildings of LinesReel blurred together. The 17-year-old had mess black hair, he wore his school uniform with a mix of comfort and indifference: a black blazer with the Spotlight High emblem on the left, left unbuttoned, a white shirt untucked, and black trousers paired with a tie that fell short of his neck. His backpack hung casually over his left shoulder.
The diagnosis of Chrono Degeneratio Mortalis (CDM) had cast a shadow over his life. Neighbors would whisper to each other when he passed by, their sympathetic glances making him feel like an outsider.
Casey's eyes narrowed as he approached Spotlight High. "Tshk," he muttered under his breath, his frustration simmering just below the surface. He merged with the crowd of students streaming into the school building, just another face in the sea.
As Casey entered the school building, the sounds of chatter and clanging lockers enveloped him. He walked along the hallway, his footsteps quiet on the polished floor. The meticulously manicured shrubs and vibrant green grass outside seemed to mock him, a harsh contrast to the emptiness he felt inside.
He opened his locker, the metallic creak echoing through the hallway. He stood there, frozen, his vision blurring. "Why am I even here?" he whispered to himself, the words barely audible.
He mechanically grabbed a few books and closed the locker, the sound snapping him back to reality. As he walked to class, the silence surrounding him was oppressive. His disease, Chrono Degeneratio Mortalis, had become a social leper's bell, warning others to keep their distance.
The few teachers who attempted to show kindness were met with Casey's indifference. "Why bother?" he'd say, his words laced with bitterness. The world seemed cruel, and Casey hated it for it. The fact that his disease wasn't contagious offered little consolation.
The morning classes finally came to a close, and the lunch bell rang out. Casey remained seated, mechanically unwrapping his lunch as the classroom erupted into chatter and laughter. It was a familiar scene, one he'd grown accustomed to – sitting alone, an outsider looking in.
As the lunch period drew to a close, the teacher announced the start of free period. Casey's gaze drifted off, his mind numb, when suddenly, a voice cut through the din.
"Hey Casey, what's up?"
Casey's head jerked up, his eyes scanning the room in surprise. It was a rare occurrence for anyone to address him, let alone the boy who had always seemed to take pleasure in his misery.
The boy's words dripped with malice. "You're wanted by Miss Mavel, loser."
Casey rose from his seat, his expression impassive, and made his way to the staff room. The door swung open, revealing a room filled with the quiet murmur of teachers grading papers or preparing lessons. His eyes scanned the room, locking onto Miss Mavel's familiar face.
"Morning, ma'am," he said, his voice neutral.
Miss Mavel looked up from the papers on her desk, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "Mr. Wilder, I wanted to see you about the assignment that was due yesterday. Can you tell me why you didn't submit it?"
Casey's words trailed off, his thoughts tangling in a mix of emotions. Miss Mavel's expectant gaze prompted him to continue. "I just need to be honest," he said finally.
"The thing is, I don't see the point of any of this," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "My life is...limited. What's the use of assignments, grades, or any of it, really?"
Miss Mavel's expression softened, her eyes filled with compassion. "You don't get it, do you, Wilder?" she asked gently.
"The world is a dark place, but we must live life to the fullest," Miss Mavel said, her voice filled with conviction.
Casey's laughter was laced with bitterness. "Live life to the fullest? What's the point of that?"
Miss Mavel's response was cut off as Casey's body began to falter. He collapsed to the ground, his knees buckling beneath him. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his head spun with a debilitating headache.
"Wilder, is this some kind of joke?" Miss Mavel asked, alarm creeping into her voice.
Casey's cry of agony was the only response. His left hand grasped at the floor, while his right clutched at his chest. The pain was suffocating, as if his heart was about to shatter.
Miss Mavel rushed to his side, calling out for other teachers to assist. They crowded around Casey, their concerned faces a blur.
As the darkness closed in, Casey's thoughts grew disjointed. "Is this really the end? Why so soon?" A faint chuckle escaped his lips. "It's not like I had anything to live for anyway... World, this is it... Goodnight."