The end came suddenly.
After all, when did it ever come not suddenly?
The crash of metal, the screech of brakes, and a dull pain. That's all I remembered before my demise.
I didn't even notice the car; it flew by so fast I didn't have time to turn my head.
"Ahhh, who knew I'd die so early?"
My name was Carl, Carl Gedison. The most ordinary person, the most ordinary job, and the most ordinary life.
Two weeks ago, I graduated from college and immediately went to work for an acquaintance. A good team, a good salary – what more does one need for happiness? My parents died before I enrolled, so no one in this world was holding me back.
But damn it, I just wanted to live for myself…
Don't get me wrong, I loved my parents; after all, thanks to them, I was able to see the world. But like any person, I chose the path of moving forward; endless grief never led to anything good.
Cold? People always told me I was an unemotional psychopath, but they were wrong. I feel emotions; it's just hard for me to show them. Since childhood, I was drilled with the idea that I'm a man and must endure any consequences.
Actually, that upbringing really helped make life easier.
"Yeah"
But why remember the past? What's done is done.
Right now, I'm floating somewhere in the embrace of bottomless space. Feeling nothing, sensing nothing.
No emotions.
Just watching the distant stars.
"How fast was that car going? It literally threw me off the planet."
The longer I was here, the more I wanted to close my eyes and fall into a sweet sleep.
"But the stars… they're damn beautiful"
I tried to stare at them, knowing it might be for the last time.
One of the stars flared up. Not just brighter – it exploded with an azure radiance, filling everything around.
The light was soft, soothing, there was no pain in it.
In the end, I closed my eyes…
——————————————————————————————
"ROEL, YOU GODDAMN SON OF A BITCH!"
slap
"WAKE UP, YOU DAMNED RAT!"
I opened my eyes; the world swam, coming together from splotches.
"What the…"
slap
I got another slap, this time on the other side of my face. My vision cleared.
A bearded man was leaning over me. He had black hair and a white beard. Two figures in black masks shuffled behind his back.
"What…"
Hit
This time the blow hit my nose; my head hit something soft. I felt something warm flowing from my nose.
The man stood up and started stroking his hand.
"Damn it, still just as tough"
I didn't understand anything at all; I still hadn't fully processed what was happening before my eyes.
I died, didn't I?
So why is some guy hitting me now?
"Where is the stone?" – the voice was low, calm, and because of that, more chilling.
I lifted my head and looked at the man.
"What… the hell… stone?"
Hit