NOIM; Connected Worlds

They say that life will flash before your eyes moments before you die. I didn't believe it at first, but not until I experienced it. Maybe it's fine if it only flashed by your eyes. But unlike everyone else... No one warned me that I had to experience everything all over again, only backwards this time. Imagine having your ripped chest magically being sewn back together, dishing out the food from your stomach or having your tears crawl back from where they came from. Am I really dead? I started asking myself. Everything was moving backwards like a movie playing in reverse. Time was rewinding itself. Anyway that's not the point. I just don't get it, Why do I have to experience everything backwards... That's just inhumane...

*Thud*

A sound echoed as I fell to the ground. Ugh... Shit... My head hurts... My body hurts... Life must be playing jokes with me... Thank god it finally stopped... I wanted to die several times but I didn't really have control over anything. My head hurts so much it feels like it's gonna split apart. I didn't even notice that time was moving forward again. I kept vomiting due to the uncontrollable feeling within my head and when I opened my eyes, I noticed that my head was on the floor. Just a few inches from all of the vomit. This is... A hangover?

'What the hell...' I muttered to myself as I couldn't contain the shock from all of this. Where is this place? I don't know why. But for some reason I feel cozy in this room. The smell of books... Training equipment... Laundry... Without wasting more time, I forced myself to stand up. Using the edge of the bed to lift me up, I was finally on my feet again.

As I stood up, I finally got a better view of the place. This was my room back then... 'Is this some kind of trick again?' I pondered to my self while looking at my hands. I even touched some of my body parts getting a feel of my self just to be sure this was all real. I immediately ran to the mirror to see myself and noticed that all of my past wounds are gone. My hands were still as smooth like before and the experiences written on my face were all gone.

*Exhale*

I stood there in a daze muttering to myself 'Is this real?'. As I was lost in thought, a phone suddenly rang beside my bed. It was my phone... Grabbing the phone. I immediately took note of the current date. March 25, 2018. I don't know why but time rewound up to this point.

The phone kept ringing as I was spaced out. It was Edizon. Answering the call, a familiar voice sounded.

"Yo. Did you..." Not letting Edizon finish his line I immediately said.

"Let's meet up in the cafe at lunch. There's something important I need to tell you."

"Ok." Noticing the tone of my voice. Edizon Immediately replied back in a straightforward manner.

"See you then."

*beep*

After wiping off the vomit on the floor. I immediately headed downstairs. There I saw a couple happily chatting over breakfast.

Mom... Dad...

Tears began running down my face as soon as I saw my parents. I couldn't control myself and immediately ran towards them. Giving each of them a tight hug. These were my parents. It doesn't really matter whether it's an Illusion or not. I never thought that I'd have a chance see them again... Even if I have to experience life backwards again, I would. Streams of tears continued falling down as I recalled everything that happened back then.

"Go on honey. Please don't blame yourself. It's fine as long as we know you love us. We have no regrets."

"Listen, son, you have to keep moving on no matter what. There's still some hope left. I can feel it!"

"You have to be strong okay? Don't let me and your mom down. We will always be watching you..."

"Hush hush hush hush my son. They'll hear you."

...

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I almost tripped down the stairs, ignoring everything as I rushed forward and threw myself at them.

"Mom..."

"Dad..."

"I missed the both of you... I missed the both of you so much..."

*Sob* *Sob*

"Mom... Dad..."

"I love the both of you so much..."

For some reason, they didn't think that it was weird and only hugged me back. Although They were a bit tearful not a hint of being surprised can be seen on their face.

"We're always here, son. We love you too."

My dad replied as he hugged me tightly, gently rubbing my head, slightly messing up my hair. My eyes were closed as if I was unconscious. It was warm. From that moment forward I unconsciously promised myself that I won't let anything happen to the both of them. Not in this lifetime. Not ever.

Moments passed by as we happily chatted. Everything was perfect. My mom preparing some snacks... My dad lecturing me about career advancements... Looking at both of them, I exhaled a deep breath. If only time would allow me to go back and experience this moment every now and then...

As I was preparing to head out. My mom reminded me about something...

"Honey, don't forget to activate your Immersion Accessory as soon as possible. I left your package on the garage. It's much more convenient to send messages there."

Chills ran down through my spine after hearing the words of my mom. I exhaled a mouthful as I calmed myself down. Only then I realized that I was running late. I immediately headed towards the garage and opened up the package. I didn't know why but, for some reason, I felt nervous upon seeing the package. After a few moments, I decided to open the package anyway. I just realized that everything started with this little package. My dream... My love... My nightmare... It was all related to this.

Upon opening the package a sphere projection floated up and a lifelike voice sounded indicating to touch the sphere. The process was no different than before. I thought to myself. But as soon as I touched the sphere cold sweat began running down my whole body.

<System Message: binding Immersion Accessory...>

<System Message: Welcome back William :) >

...

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Moments before Willam woke up.

"Mom! Dad! Please..."

"I'm tired..."

"I'm so tired..."

"Help me..."

"Mom... Dad... I'm sorry..."

"I'm sorry I only made it this far..."

"There's nothing I can do..."

"There's nothing I can do anymore..."

"I'm sorry..."

"Kiara..."

Looking at their son. Tears fell down the couple's eyes as a string of memory flashed back within their eyes. My poor child... They couldn't help but mutter as they both threw a questioning gaze at each other.

"He?..."

"He needs us my dear."