I am an old man, age has come for me. I am a 60-something-year-old man at the end of my life, and I have just discovered I have advanced cancer, leaving me with only a few days to live. But who is this old man? A person like any other, who lived a life, loved, suffered, and cried.
You're probably wondering, what's so special about this old man? He's just another person who lived his life and will be another victim of this terrible disease. Yes, you are right! But before all of that, there is the story of this old man's life.
This old man lived many years and became the greatest expert on the history of ancient civilizations and wars. He wrote countless books and articles, but what made him famous worldwide were his YouTube videos, where he shared his knowledge in a didactic and playful way, attracting millions of people.
But today, here he is, old and almost dying...
"Doctor, are you sure? I only have 3 months to live?!"
"Unfortunately, we can't do anything for you anymore… This disease is very cruel, I'm sorry."
A deep silence fills the room. His hands tremble on top of the exam results as his life flashes before him. His achievements and regrets play out like a flashback.
"I'll leave you alone now. If you need anything, I'll be at the reception with the nurses."
"Okay, doctor, okay, okay, okay…," the words no longer leave his mouth, that news is suffocating him.
"What will happen to my family now? I still have so much to do… 3 months? Damn 3 months, I won't be able to do anything."
He muttered indignantly as he crumpled his exams, and at that moment the door suddenly opened. A man in his twenties, well-dressed, with a big smile, entered.
"Hellooo, professor! You just found out you have advanced cancer and will die in 3 months, right?"
"Excuse me? But wait, what? Who are you? Who let you in here?! Is this a prank?! Look, youuuu M#$!@…"
"Calm down, professor, take it easy, let me introduce myself, I am…"
"If this is a prank, I'll kill you! You jerk, you don't do that to someone who just found out they're dying. Let's go! Get out! Get out of here!"
Anguish and fear gave way to a giant fury and revolt, which made him grab the stranger by the collar, practically lifting him off the ground.
"No! I would never do that. Actually, I have an irresistible offer for you. Do you want to hear it?"
"I don't accept!"
"You won't even listen?"
"Didn't you see the results of my exam? I'm going to DIE! I'm going to spend the rest of my time with my family, I'll apologize to the people I'm fighting with, and I don't know! I'll do everything I can in the remaining days of my life, except work. I've worked enough in this life, and I don't need any more money, now I need time. But that's something I can't buy or get by working."
"I can get you time. It's not work, it's a chance for you to become the most influential person in history…"
"Hahahaha, you're going to make me Emperor Caesar? Or maybe Napoleon? You're a comedian! And you still say this isn't a prank."
"Professor, look into my eyes. I know it will be hard to believe, but I come from the future. A future where humanity is devastated by nations from other planets…"
"Get out of here NOW! You're mocking me! You're shameless for doing this to someone who just received the news they're dying. Come on! Get out! Get lost!"
"Before I go, I need to give you some letters. Please read them. After that, I'm sure you'll believe me. My number is on all the pages, if you want to talk to me again, just send me a message."
The strange man's smile had disappeared at this point, and with a serious posture, he took an envelope from a folder he was carrying.
"Professor, I'm a big fan of the future! Humanity is counting on…"
POW! The door slammed in his face.
"That's all I needed! I find out I'm dying, and a crazy person walks in. It's laughable if it weren't so tragic."
Leaning over the table, he began laughing uncontrollably at everything that was happening, shaking his head from side to side.
This can't be real, this is just a nightmare. I'm old, I know! But my health was fine. I'll wake up, I'll wake up, I'll WAKE UP!