One-Shot Stories

His Second Life

 “Maria, you’re the only one we’re waiting for,” a voice called out.

“Waah! Wait mama~”

Oh, Hello there! I’m Maria and I’m currently busy preparing for a dinner at a fine dining restaurant for my birthday today, 19th of December. My family is currently here in Manila to spend the Christmas vacation. It’s mainly because my father works here and not in the province. Oh well, enough of the introductions. I need to run down the stairs so that I can— THUG!

“Maria! Mar—,” mama called out. Then out of the blue, everything was pitch black.

TOOT—TOOT—TOOT—

I gradually opened my eyes and saw myself in a white room. Where am I? I thought we’re about to go to a fine dining restaurant. Then I felt someone grasping my hand. “Mama?”, I said.

“Maria, I’m so glad you’re awake now,” mama said hugging me tightly. I tried to sit up and, “Ouch!” Why does my back hurt so much?

“Maria, your bones are still recovering. Restrain yourself from standing or sitting without help, for now.”

“Huh? Why? What happened?”, I asked.

“You fell down the stairs five days ago and were unconscious. Don’t you remember, Maria?”

“Five days ago?” What does mom mean by that? I’m totally clueless here!

“Yes. Five days have passed since your birthday and now it’s Christmas Eve,” mom said as she stood up and walked towards the door. “Mama, where are you heading to?”, I asked.

“I’m going to ask your doctor about your condition,” she replied and smiled at me. I smiled back. The door shut close and I was left alone in this plain, white, four-cornered room.

“Hello!”, someone called out. Okay, I take back what I said, I wasn’t alone. I looked around the room and saw a boy standing on one corner, near the door. He’s probably two years older than I am. “Who are you?”, I asked.

“I’m Julian. You’re Maria, right?”, he asked, waiting for my confirmation. And so I nodded. He must have seen my name at my room door. “You’re a patient here too, am I right?”, I asked.

“Yeah. Say, can you do me a favor?”, he asked.

“What kind of favor?”, I asked back.

“Don’t be too surprised but you see, I’m a ghost,” he stated. My jaw dropped down. Am I going to believe him? Come to think of it, he does seem transparent. Uh-oh, goose bumps! He’s starting to walk towards me. Eek! I’m scared. “Don’t come any closer!”, I shouted. That’s a bit mean to say but he didn’t listen to me anyway. I have to move back but I can’t Why does my back have to hurt this much? With nothing else left to do, I covered my eyes using my hands. Now I can’t see him. But that’s not the point here! I don’t know what he’s planning to do! I suddenly felt a cold sensation brush my hair that was on my face.

“I’m in a state of comatose right now. I want you to help me get back into my body. My parents are totally worried about me,” his voice, beautiful voice, whispered to my ear. I slowly uncovered my face and looked at him. Wow, he looks so handsome when he’s this n-near. Oh no! My heart is beating so loudly. “W-why me, of all people? W-why don’t you just go back yourself? Why do you need my help?”

“You’re the only one who can see me, hear me. My body doesn’t allow my soul to go back to it. And you see, we have this connection that when I sang, you gained consciousness.”

Huh? What did he mean by that? Well, come to think of it, I heard a beautiful melody before waking up from this long slumber. Was it him? He has that really beautiful voice? “Uh, so what should I do to help you?”

“Sing to me,” he instantly said.

“Eh? But, but, uh, I don’t know where your room is!”, I proclaimed. But that’s not really the reason. I don’t know why I said it. I guess because I don’t want him to hear me sing. Everyone has said to me that I’m not good at it so, I never sang. And compared to his connoisseur voice, mine’s nothing but trash.

“My room’s just beside yours,” he said. Now I dont have any excuse.

“But, uh, but..”

“But?”

“But I’m not good in singing!”, I finally said it.

“Ah, I see. I’m sorry if I bothered you. Goodbye,”he said in a very sad tone. He’s about to go out of my room. What should I do? I feel a thorn inside my heart.

“Wait! I’ll sing. I’ll try to sing. I’ll try to sing well,” I blurted out. I take back what I said. It’s okay if he hears me, I should be able to help him thisway, right?

“Really?”, he said and hugged me, although I just felt a cold breeze touching me. That cold breeze started to rise up above me. It felt good. And so I stood up and walked towards the door. Wait. Nothing hurts? Have I healed? Was it because of him? I don’t know. All I know is I’m going to help someone who seems to be an important piece of my life. I went in his room. No one was there. The ghost him followed me and the unconcious him was in a sad slumber. This it it. I have to sing with all my might. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.

“You were there, in everything I knew

From the moment, I began

Always there, in everyday I grew

Save me falling, held my hand

You were shelter from the storm

The shadows fade away, all cares pass away

As hour by hour, and day by day

Your love lightens up the sky as it shines across the night

Stay with me, through the dark

And bring me home..”

I stopped. I heard his voice saying, “Your voice is great. Thank you.” Then I felt it agian, that cold sensation that was now touching my lips. I smiled. I opened my eyes and saw him slowly regaining conciousness. “Goodbye,” I said as I slowly walked back to my room and laid down. I wonder if he’s awake now. The door opened and mama, together with the doctor said that I could go home. We packed my things and we’re set off. While passing to his room, I saw him with his parents. They looked very happy and I’m glad about it. That was probably the best gift I ever gave to someone.

Will we meet again someday? That I don’t know. All I know is the courage I had back there to sing made him live, his second life.

Mlle Maria ☆