Something Distant but Familiar

"He only had an anxiety attack; he often confuses some body functions like breathing. Yes, he is fine, but it would be better to take him for a check-up to be sure."

Dash was deeply asleep, dreaming of a life that was similar to his but very different. He had the same parents, the same face and name, but he had a completely different life than the one he had before he took his last breath.

Truth be told, in this life, he didn't have that horrible illness, but he did have a weak body according to the people around him. His best friend, or the one he spent most of his time with, was named Devon Lee. She was the one he shared his worst and best moments with.

Dash knew that with her was the only way to feel happy; at least she doesn't lie like many idiots he has encountered throughout his life.

The life he spent with his parents may feel a bit turbulent, especially in the way they acted with their family, as they were a bit cold and serene at all times. So, if he was looking for a loving mother, he definitely wouldn't find her at home.

But Dash, who knew his parents, could understand it. He never needed his parents' love before because he died alone, and it's not like he suddenly needed that love he never had as a child.

When he was younger, or to be precise, during his time between nine to twelve years old, his mother told him, "Live without causing trouble to anyone. If the problem is big and you can't handle it, just do what you think is convenient."

He never understood those words; he supposed his mother never wanted him to understand.

But the reason he couldn't forget those words was that they were the last words he heard from his mother before she visited him once a month at most. To Dash, it seemed ridiculous to feel sorry or pity for his own situation; all he believed was that this is his luck, and he would die that way.

Now that he died and woke up in a healthy body, there was no better judgment than his own judgment at that time. Perhaps that's why he now expects nothing from his parents, and the only thing he will be interested in is his own goals.

He died at the age of thirteen, a child who practically spent more than half of his years in a hospital. Bitterness and loneliness never showed up, but just when he died was when he felt alone.

It was embarrassing, why didn't I realize that I was actually broken inside? Maybe now he's happy, but he still hides that he's sad.

He had thought he was a strong guy, someone who had lived in bitterness and pain all his life. But in the end, he was scared, and now he wished not to die regretting the life he had unfortunately lived.

Dash, this time, only this time, didn't want to ask how or why; he had overcome that stage in his life a long time ago, so all he did was thank his luck for living once again.

Perhaps some God took pity on his misfortune and gave him the chance to live again in a life that is his and emerged from what would happen if his illness had never existed.

At least he would appreciate this life more than anyone in the world, he believed. So once he woke up, everything that overwhelmed him would be erased from his body; that was a promise.

"Isn't he dead, teacher?" Devon asked with a worried look.

"Miss Lee, your friend is fine..."

"Oh my God, he can't die; he's my only non-idiot friend in that circus of delayed children with dyslexia..." Devon Lee murmured as she looked at Dash, who was beginning to open his eyes.

"He's alive!"

"Am I alive?" Dash wondered upon waking up completely.

"Yes, you're alive, idiot!" Devon shouted while hugging Dash tightly.

"I guess she was worried about her only friend..." Dash muttered under his breath.

"Haha, I have more friends than I appear to have... Besides, since you're the only one who doesn't talk much with others, they prefer to hang out with a guy than talk to those girls who only know how to talk nonsense they hear from their mothers," Devon said, releasing Dash, who immediately looked at the girl in front of him.

She was his first friend, so Devon would appreciate this friendship better than anyone in life. She smiled knowing that she had gained a friend, and he said, "Well, unfortunately for you, I'm still alive..."

As if Dash's words were normal, Devon smiled and said, "Yes, unfortunately... I think at these moments the whole class loves you; the class was canceled, and it seems there will be no homework for the weekend."

"That's good, isn't it?"

"In part, it's good; I'm also grateful to you..." Devon said as she stood up.

"Are you leaving already?"

"Do you want me to stay?" Devon questioned slightly confused.

"Not at all, we'll talk later..." Dash said, familiar with this girl's personality.

"Yeah, and good luck at the hospital..."

"Oh... I definitely won't go to a hospital again; it's not the time." Dash muttered as he watched his friend leave.

"You have a good friend, Mr. Hale..."

Dash looked at the nurse and smiled; at least that was the best for him in these confusing moments.

Not long after, his parents sent someone to pick him up, and he knew things would get a bit complicated due to the drama he had caused at school.