Second Chance

Chapter 1: The Dream

"Why have I forsaken myself? Condemned for the things that I have and have not done. Is it possible? To go back, alter the possible outcomes; or is it just another dead end? Death." I looked upwards, seeking sorrow from the pain as I was chained by hot iron steel. What have I done? Why? Why do I suffer, why must I endure pain? Why can't I die? Can't I disappear, my soul, my history? Why can't I just die?

The sound of footsteps echoed throughout the hall, fear was striking my heart, or whatever is left of that muscle which keeps me alive.

Death, this man, this thing that has evil attached to his soul, this thing that gives justice despite the darkness that engulfs him. Death, the name had rung in my head several times. Each time reminiscing each painful encounter. He marched closer as the light bounced off each limb of his scarred body.

This hall filled with chandeliers, paintings of beauty and grace. Every time he passed these paintings, evil was shown. He passed a painting of a gorgeous mountainous landscape that I have adored during my time here.The mountains were crushed as screams echoed throughout the room.

"Hello, Jake." Death spoke, his voice filled with power and commandment. The features of his face creased into a smile as he looked at me, through me, as I embroiled what this occasion was and why it made him so...happy. He continued approaching me. He pulled out his mask, made of a bone so he resembles a skeleton. He looked at me, his red eyes flaring as the smile was no longer apparent.

"All who live know my name; and all who oppose me shall

know...Death." He chanted as he sheathed his scythe slowly. "Please! Make it quick. Get it done" I cried, prepared for the worst.

Before I knew it, the Scythe pierced through my body.

I waited for a while. The pain still there. Nothing has changed. The frustration bubbled up like a cauldron cooking stew. I thrashed around screaming "Aaaargh! What have you done? I'm still alive!" I sobbed continuously until he finally spoke. "I'm sorry Jake, but it takes time. By the way, you're not going to die. You're going back." His voice was the calmest, most welcoming tone I have ever heard from him.

"Back? Where?" I asked, my curiosity became more painful than the scythe itself.

"Soon, soon. " I looked up to see his fist connecting with my face. I failed to keep my conscious. Everything faded to black.

I opened my eyes. What's going on? A second ago I was suffering but now I'm in some kind of bedroom. I looked up at the ceiling as the memories came rushing back like a Dam that has opened its exit. Is this life itself? Was it just a dream? It can't, it felt so real. Was this what they called a lucid dream? No, I wasn't aware that it was a dream. I was in a world of pain and horror. It was a nightmare, could it be a sign of what's to come? Death sent me back, is this what he meant? I identified my surroundings and understood. This is it. The place I wanted where so many things took place. I could fix this. This is my second chance.

But it is irrefutable that it could have been a dream. Why wouldn't it be? But then again, everything was so sophisticated. I doubt that my brain can even imagine to that extent, to that level of detail and intricacy. What is there to lose? Try doing everything right, become a good person.

"Honey? Why are you just standing there?" a female voice spoke in such a beautiful tone. I looked to see this woman, these green eyes staring at me with such a deep look that I shuddered. Her eyes dilated due to the darkness, but she was attractive. Her brown hair dangling on her shoulders, so smooth and soft.

Biting her lips, she approached me even closer, crawling on the bed just to do so. "Who are you?" I asked having a regretful feeling for asking such a question. It was an innocent question, but something told me that I should know her. "Me? Oh silly, I'm your wife! Are you trying to creep me out? Because its working!" She chuckled, but I did not do the same. I just looked, bedazzled by her beauty. Then her face became more recognizable as the memories flushed into my brain. Her arms wrapped around my neck, she was smiling. "Wanna go get some coffee?"