26th December 2015
1:06 p.m.
Doctor: Interesting... I have never seen a case like this before. And one more question, how would you describe this whole experience to be?
Samuel: You mean the life I went through?
Doctor: Yes.
Samuel: It was... deceptive.
...
I woke up in a new world, on a hospital bed where my parents and a little girl cried for me. I was confused at the time and didn't know what to say. After a few hours had passed after the 'reunion' Father and Mother left for an urgent call from work and the little girl introduced herself to me.
Elysha: Hi, my name is Elysha and I'm your sister. Well, I was adopted, but still.
Samuel: Elysha?
Elysha: Mhm.
Samuel: Mind explaining to me what's happening?
Elysha: Did the doctor not tell you?
Samuel: Not really...
Elysha: Oh well, do you remember the car crash that you, Dad and Mom got into like ten years ago?
Samuel: Yeah...
Elysha: You hit your head hard on the dash during the crash and got severe brain damage, which put you in a coma for a long time. The doctors kept insisting that you wouldn't last any longer, but Dad and Mom wouldn't allow them to stop caring for you. Like, they paid millions over the years.
Samuel: That's something they'd do all right...
Someone knocked on the door and Elysha told them to enter. It was Father and he had a rusty box in his hand.
Father: Sam, look, look! I made this for when you wake up.
He took a hand crank out from his pocket and attached it to the box. As he powered the contraption, it opened slowly and two hands came out holding a sign that said, 'Welcome back.'
Samuel: Wow...
Father: Is it that good?
Samuel: No, I'm just surprised you didn't put in anything complex into this.
Father: Complex...?
Samuel: You know, like a rocket or something.
Father looked ahead with a realising look on. He quickly stood up, opened the window and threw the box outside. Before Elysha or I could question it, we heard fireworks set out outside and we both stared at Father.
Father: Hehe... Surprise...
Samuel: I think you'll have to go out and apologise to the guard before this gets out of hand.
Father: Yes... I think I must too...
As Father opened the door, Mother entered through the door like she was a pest. Father excused himself and rushed out.
Mother: What's with him?
Elysha: He threw a firework out the window...
Mother: Again?
Samuel: Wait, this isn't the first time?
Elysha: It's the fourth.
Samuel: I just won't question it...
Mother: It would be best for you... Also, how are you feeling now?
Samuel: I'm recovering well, and I am a bit hungry.
Mother: That's perfect! I bought you two some cake.
Samuel: I can't eat it without the doctor's permission...
Mother: Maybe later then. Ooo, also, I drew this painting for you. (Pulls out a paper from her jacket)
Samuel: Is that my face on a banana?
Mother: What do you think?
Elysha: Mom... That's embarrassing.
Mother: No, it is not. I even got a painting of you.
Elysha: NO! DON'T SHOW IT TO ME!
Mother: All right, all right... Anyway, I'm really sorry about this, but I must leave for America now.
Samuel: Work reasons?
Mother: Yes...
Samuel: In that case, don't apologise and just go. The art industry must be a pain.
Mother: Oh my God, it is! This is why I love you, Sam!
Elysha: Oi, what about me?
Mother: You too, yes... I'll be leaving now... Have a good recovery, Sam.
Samuel: I will, don't worry.
Mother left the room and Elysha patted me on the shoulder.
Elysha: May I properly introduce myself to you?
Samuel: You don't have to ask...
Elysha: Okay then... My name is Elysha, and I am sixteen years old. I was adopted by your parents two years ago after both my parents died during a SWAT riot control. Your parents helped me recover from that tragedy and that's why I love them. They're fun to be around. When they introduced you to me, I did get sad because it felt like I was losing an opportunity to bond with my brother, and I would stay by your side every night. The bed even got a dent from me sleeping in the same position every night.
Samuel: What about-
Elysha: Don't worry... I did go to school still. Studies are not going too great, and sports are exhausting, but I am doing fine.
Samuel: How did-
Elysha: Because I know you well at this point.
Samuel: Know-
Elysha: Yeah... You really are clueless about everything that's happening around you. Mom would tell stories about you, and I got to know you through that.
Samuel: Excluding the embarrassing stories, right?
Elysha: (Smirks) Including the embarrassing childhood photos.
I covered my face using the blanket in embarrassment. Elysha stood up and told me that she had to leave because she had to attend an emergency club meeting for her literature club. I gave my farewells as she left, and I was alone in the room.
I looked out at the window and thought to myself about how Amna, Fathima, and Sarah were doing. The fact that the doctor didn't mention that they were not real, but did so for Arjun, Barbara, and Daniel tells me that the three are out there somewhere. I haven't asked anyone about their whereabouts just yet, but I will do it soon.
Man... To think that I had spent the past thirteen years of my life in a lie...
Life really was a deception.
The End
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Life is a Deception (sample)
General FictionSamuel William, a man in his twenties who had lost his parents at a young age, had finally begun exploring life, which led him to experience a series of events built to awaken him. From the pain of his parent's death to the happy and melancholy new...
