Soul Crushed

Ethan opened his eyes to find himself in his bedroom, he went towards the mirror and got astonished by the fact that he was send back two years before his death. He still rembered the day clearly it was his 18th birthday when everything started to fall apart and his family started showing their hate openly, on that day his family made him transfer the assets left by his grandparents to him. After the transfer was done they locked him in the basement without food and water and tortured him for two years so that he won't say a single word to anyone. Suddenly his eyes darted across the room it was night time, and he could hear the sound of crickets outside. He went towards his bed and saw the date on the calender, there was still two weeks left before his 18th birthday. He knew that tomorrow was the day his life would change forever. Ethan's eyes narrowed as he thought back to what had happened on that day again he remembered the pain, the suffering, and the regrets. He remembered the people who had wronged him, and he remembered the chances he had let slip away.

This time, Ethan vowed, would be different. This time, he would take control. This time, he would live for himself. Ethan's voice was cold, detached, and calculating. "I will take back what's mine. I will make them pay. And this time, I will love myself, no matter the cost."

The room was silent, except for the sounds of Ethan's heartbeat. It was a heartbeat that sent chills down anyone's spine who heard it. As the darkness of night enveloped his old bedroom, Ethan's mind swirled with memories of his past life, and with newfound sense of determination, he vowed to reclaim everything he had lost, his thought slowly drifting into a resolute sleep.

The morning Sun cast it's golden rays upon the mansion, singnaling a new day. The birds sang their sweet melodies, and the trees swayed gently in the breeze. Nature seemed to sense that something had changed, that a shift had occurred in the delicate balance of life.

Ethan's eyes fluttered open, and he lay still for a moment, taking in his surroundings. His bedroom, once a place of solace, now felt foreign and oppressive. Memories of his past life flooded his mind, and his winced as the pain and anguish resurfaced. But something was different this time. Ethan felt a spark within him, a flame of determination that burned brighter with each passing moment. He vowed to take back everything that was rightfully his, to reclaim his life, and his dignity.

With newfound resolve, Ethan tossed off the covers and swung his legs over the side of the bed. He stood up, stretched, and began his morning routine, just as he used to do in the boarding school. The familiarity of the sections brought him comfort, and he felt a sense of normalcy wash over him.

As he got ready for the day, Ethan's thoughts turned to his family. He knew they would never change, that they would always treat him with contempt and disdain. But he was no longer the same person. He was reborn, renewed,and ready to take on the world.

Ethan slipped out of the house, into crips morning air. The streets were empty, save for a few early risers. He jogged through the quite streets, feeling alive and free. When he returned home, the house was still quite. Ethan took a shower, made himself breakfast, and ate in silence. He savored each bite, enjoying the simple pleasure of eating a meal he had prepared for himself. As he finished his breakfast, Ethan heard the sound of footsteps overheard. His family was stirring, and he knew it was only a matter of time before they discovered he was gone.

Ethan grabbed his backpack and slipped out of the house once more. He made his way to college, lost in thought as he walked. He remembered the countless times his sister's antics had made him late for class, the way his teacher's had scolded him, and the pain of being forced to drop out of college due to failing exam because of being late for lectures that result into standing whole day outside the class and unable to make any friends that can lend notes.

But those memories only strengthened Ethan's resolve. He was determined to make a better life for himself, to prove to his family and the world that he was worthy of love and respect and show them what they have lost. As he walked into his classroom, Ethan felt a sense of pride and purpose. He took his seat, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Meanwhile, back at the Winter's residence, Ethan's sister, Emma, was getting ready for school. She was excited to see Ethan's face when their father scold him for being late for breakfast again. She had always taken pleasure in Ethan's misfortunes, and today would be no exception.

As Emma walked into the kitchen, she saw her family gathered around the table. Her Father, Mother, and Brother were all eating breakfast, oblivious to Ethan's absence. "Where's Brother Ethan?" Emma asked, trying to sound innocent. Her father's expression darkened."He's probably still sleeping. He's always been lazy." Useless piece of shit. Emma smiled to herself, knowing that their father will again beat him she couldn't wait to see the look on his face. Emma, sat at the breakfast table, chatting with her father and brother. "Hey, Dad, can you drive me to school today?" Emma asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Her father smiled and ruffled her hair." Of course, sweetie I would love to but as you know I have to punish some useless person so I can't send you today why don't you go with your big brother. Emma turned towards her brother and asked him, big brother you can drive me right?

Ethan's brother, Lucas, nodded and took a sip of his coffee. "Yeah, no problem, Emma." As they finished breakfast, Emma glanced upstairs, wondering why Ethan was still sleeping and did not came down. I have missed such a great drama but don't worry Ethan next time I won't let you slide these easily. Little did she knew, Ethan had already started his new life, one that would take him far away from toxic dynamics of his family.

After a fulfilling day at college, Ethan made his way to the prestigious Slivermist Corporation, the number one company in the city. He was determined to land a part time job for his internship and prove himself to everyone that he was capable of success. As he entered the sleek, modern building, Ethan was greeted by a friendly receptionist who led him to the interview room. A panel of three interviewers, all dressed in impeccable business attire, looked up as Ethan entered.

The lead interviewer a middle-aged woman with a kind smile, began the question. "So, Ethan, tell us a bit about yourself." Ethan launched into a confident and articulate speech about his academic achievements, his passion for business, and his determination to succeed. The interviewers listened intently, nodding along he spoke.

Next, a young man with a keen gaze asked,"Ethan, can you give us an example of a time when you overcame a difficult challenge?" Ethan thought for a moment before launching into a story about a group project he had worked on in college. "We were tasked with creating a marketing campaign for a new product, but one of our team members dropped out at the last minute. I had to quickly adjust our strategy and take on additional responsibilities to ensure the projects success, but I can say that it was all possible because of my team's support and encouragement."

The interviewers exchanged impressed glances, and the lead interviewer smiled. "Well, Ethan, it seems like you have a knack for thinking on your feet. We'll be in touch soon to let you know our decision." Ethan left the building feeling hopeful and proud of himself.

Later that, evening, Ethan returned home, exhausted but exhilarated from his first interview at Slivermist Corporation. As he entered the house, his father's voice boomed from the living room. "Ethan, where have you been?"his father thundered, his face red with rage. Ethan stood tall, meeting his father's gaze. "I was at the library, Father. I had a group project to work on."

His father's expression turned sceptical. "At the library? All day? I don't believe you? You're a lazy, good-for-nothing son! You're a waste of space!" Without warning, Ethan's father lunged at him, his bodyguards stepping in to restrain Ethan. His father snapped a leather whip into his hand and began to lash Ethan with it, the cracks echoing through the room.

"You're a useless, pathetic excuse of a son!" His father spat, his face twisted with rage. "You're a disappointment to me and to this family! You'll never amount to anything!" Ethan cried out in pain, his body jerking with each blow. His father's curses and insults cut deep, but Ethan refused to give in. Finally, the beating stopped, and Ethan's father stood panting, his chest heaving with exertion. Ethan lay on the floor, his body broken and battered.

The bodyguards dragged Ethan to his bedroom and threw him inside. Ethan tried to reach his bed, but his legs gave out beneath him. He collapsed onto the cold floor, his vision blurring. As the darkness closed in around him, Ethan felt himself being pulled under, his consciousness slipping away. He lay there, unmoving, as the night wore on, his body broken and his spirit crushed.

"A SOUL REBORN, BUT A HEART STILL BROKEN."