Death is inevitable. A destination true for each soul out there.
But, what is the meaning of death for individuals who have met their end, but death did not come for them ?
Is it the universe denying their very self, or fulfilling a heartfelt wish out of love, pity, and care ? Or, perhaps a perverse desire to see one suffer.
Then… which was it for me ?
“Haaah-haaa…” The deep and shallow breath of my lungs made my chest rise and sink repeatedly, my eyes bloodshot as tears uncontrollably flowed from the experience of “death”.
‘Was that all a dream ?’ I thought as my pained heart beat uncontrollably.
‘I don’t recognize that ceiling.’ It wasn’t the white ceiling tiles that most hospitals had, and certainly didn’t look the way my apartment’s did.
It felt rustic, but expensive. Most of all, that chandelier was a dead giveaway. No average modern person would have such a thing in their bedroom, or whatever else in here.
The novels and comics I consumed had plenty of such scenes, so, am I on the receiving end of the trope this time ? Truly ?
But… I didn’t want any of that. I don’t want a world without my family.
I can… feel my legs. There’s still a chance I was saved by some ground-breaking medical technology in experimental phase of some top 0.1% rich guy looking for immortality.
‘I beg you, let that be so.’
“Nnghh—!! Huff… Huff…” My body felt awfully weak from just trying to get up and sit on the edge of bed. The sound of my pained throes made me feel odd, I didn’t recognize my own voice.
‘This...’ My hair was always long, but not quite this silky.
It took me a while to let go of the long strands before more and more changes “graced” my hands.
‘Um…’ I stared at the mounds in disbelief. But, I tried to push it to the back of my mind. If this is how far they had to go, I could live with it if it meant I could talk to my sister again.
*thump*
“Ugh…” The knees in my legs gave out after I tried to walk close to a mirror I saw earlier, ignoring all of the furniture sporting an archaic medieval look.
“Ngh… huff… huff…” How could just trying to breathe hurt more than bleeding from having my body ripped in half ? They’ve done a sorry job. How am I supposed to live with this pathetically weak body ? But… at least I was alive. That’s all that mattered, right ?
“…” I managed to get to the mirror. Knowing and seeing was different, I truly felt that phrase to be true after witnessing the sight before me.
A haggard but beautiful face with verdant green irides, hair that held a purple tint in its deep black fell like waterfalls onto the floor, porcelain skin that was worlds apart from my healthy-looking tan I used to have. And of course, organs that could only belong on a woman were now attached onto my chest.
“…” I didn’t feel good. This wasn’t me. This is not me. This body doesn’t share anything with my family. I don’t want this.
*click*
“…mes semir, elle des fiérte !” Some woman opened the door.
That would be fine, if it wasn’t for the dress she was wearing, and the language that I didn’t understand. Was it spanish or something ? Though I had a feeling that wasn’t exactly accurate.
“Inés. Ertia welchem, degraz.” Didn’t take long for a stern looking middle aged man wearing a luxurious burgundy suit to come.
It was right to assume that the first word was likely this body’s name, and I had a feeling that I wasn’t liked. Those eyes felt uncomfortable, they reminded me of the days when I was a good-for-nothing, and; guessing by his features, he was likely this body’s father.
It hurt.
“I… I didn’t ask for any of this.” This wasn’t my world. This wasn’t earth. It couldn’t be.
There was no sister here, no friend I could go to. Who are these people ?
‘I don’t want this. Why ? Is this my punishment ? Was I truly worse than criminals that took precious life for paltry cash ? Is this what I deserved ?’
“Ugh… nnnghhh—!!”
This wasn’t my family. I could cry as much as I wished, I didn’t care.
Otherwise… I don’t think I could take this.
