Missing Pieces of Me

9 Why Bother Waking Up?

Blanche

I look around at the surroundings I managed to make. Everywhere I look, I could change the scenery but the main theme is the night time. I've always enjoyed the feeling of the cool wind and serenity it provides; the feeling of being under the moonlight with only yourself your own company but not feeling alone.

UP was busy on the other half of the space sitting on a park bench. Playing with the different flowers created in this dimension. I, on the other hand, am sitting on a cliff, not worrying about any dangers I would get into if I fall. I feel UP join me by creating another part of the cliff making it wider so as to make us more comfortable.

I sighed at the thought of leaving, knowing I need to wake up soon to go to class. UP seemed to have read my mind and said, "This is the perfect world. You have already created so much in such little time."

"I have a question about this place. What happens here when I wake up?"

"Well, nothing really. Since it's only an empty space, I then create my own world again."
"Isn't it tiring?"

"Nope. It's quite enjoyable."

"With me around, as your teacher, you can create much more and much complex realities. You can be much better than what I was. I know I'll be leaving this place in good hands," UP said, as a portion of my dream becomes a bit different. UP must have decided to create too.

"You're leaving?"

"Yes. If you stay here, my soul can get back to the cycle again and experience the different dimensions too. That's what the voice said to me. I must find a guardian for this place to replace me if I am to leave."

"So you do miss having a real life?"

"Yes but I'm still undecided since what I have now is much better than any life I would have been given."

"In that case, if I want to still be a part of this, can't I just go back and forth? I really enjoy both worlds."

"Technically, you can but your chances get smaller as time passes by. Time comes when you can no longer visit this place, well, until you die. When you do die, there is a chance we can meet again because dead people have a stronger chance to visit here and make their choice but not everyone has a chance to choose to stay when they die. Do believe you heard the term 'reincarnation'?"

"Yes, I'm aware of the term. It's where you can start a new life as someone else in a different body after a biological death but isn't it only a myth?"

"Well, it is partially true. You do get transferred to a different body just not of a different person." UP said, matter-of-factly.

"How does that even work? You can't still be you because you already died." I stared with disbelief as the figure tries to explain.

"Well, it has something to do with the fact that there are an infinite number of different dimensions existing and in some of those dimensions exists different versions of you. It might be similar to what you are now or a lot different.

All of those versions are powered by only one soul. This is because the soul starts scattered and with every death of an individual, the soul merges itself onto the next. Enough deaths and you can visit this place.

Currently, you're in this one but once you die, you move on to the next. You may not even notice it because the dimension is almost exactly the same unless you look closely. You may have died just before you met me. Maybe that's why you can visit me.

Some people cannot visit here yet because their souls don't have the capacity to visit this place while others do get to visit but choose to leave and, when they do leave, their brains are rewired to forget this place.

With their new lives, there is no guarantee that they'll come back here again. That is why I don't usually remember names. People change their names but only a few people change what's in their hearts. I was the first and only person to choose this place therefore breaking my cycle, meaning I can never go back to living as you do."

"I think I need to think about it for a while. I was so sure I wanted to leave the real world that I forgot that living there had its perks. I hope you're not disappointed," I answered apologetically.

"Okay but you better think fast. The next time you sleep might be the last you'll see, either this world or your world," it said, hinting a little sadness but made an effort to sound like I've been understood.

I heard the faint sound of someone calling my name. It was my roommate. Of all the times to wake me up from sleep, this is the one he chose. As I was about to wake up the voice whispered something in my ear, "Don't let anyone affect your decision. What you decide is yours alone, not your roommate." Those were the last words I heard when I was suddenly blinded by the sudden burst of lights.

What did UP mean by roommate? Maybe I'll ask later.

I opened my eyes but squinted immediately because Alex opened my bedroom lights.

I know I have classes today and I cannot afford an absent since a perfect attendance contributes highly to the grade and my grades, like me, aren't currently doing well.

My head is still pounding but I try to get up but Alex stopped me. I see his face and noticed that he's already ready to go out. It looks like he has morning classes today too. He brought a tray of pancakes with him.

"Don't stand up. You're still too sick to move," he said as he handed me the tray complete with my medicine.

"I made pancakes because I know you hate no being able to taste food when you're sick. You need to stay here until I come back or at least call if you want to go to the hospital."

"Thanks but I have to go to school in four hours."

"You're still sick-"

"I'm fine. Besides, it's not like it's a strenuous subject to learn. I just need to go for the attendance. I promise, if I feel too sick, I'll go to the clinic."

Alex looked like he was still debating whether to let me go or not.

"Fine. I don't have time to argue. You know you best," he said as he glanced at his watch.

I stood up and followed him out of my room, with my blanket draped over me.

"Thanks, for everything," I said, giving him a hug just as he was about to leave. Instead of rushing out, he seemed stunned. Was that the first time I hugged him in a while?

"Your germs! Aaaah," he yelped, dramatically, breaking the silence that occurred.

"Good luck and spread my little minions throughout your whole class," I said, laughing awkwardly.

I just stood there until I realized that I left the breakfast Alex prepared on my bed. I hurriedly ran as fast as I can without triggering my headache and sat on the bed and opened my laptop. As I eat, I prepare the notes for my classes today.

After a while, I hear my phone ring for my alarm. It was already 10:00 am and classes will start in two hours. I clean my dishes by the sink, still shivering at the slightest contact of water even though I assume it would be in room temperature.

I take the meds Alex left and set an alarm for the next time I'll be taking them. I hopped into the shower, making sure that the temperature was nearly boiling because I refuse to leave this apartment without at least a shower. After preparing myself, I made sure to fix my bag, making sure I brought notes and stuff I need. I double checked the meds, if they're already in the bag and finally, left.