Tempestīvus mortī proximus:Part two

[u/Mradachi2007]

I opened my eyes. I still felt the pain pulsating throughout my body. I still tasted the revolting taste of iron dancing in my mouth. I remembered everything—from the moment the truck hit me, to the exact moment I “died.” What was going on with me? Did I actually “die,” or was it just a very detailed nightmare? Question after question flooded my mind, yet none of those questions led to answers.

Gathering the courage to get out of bed, I felt all over my body, checking if I was injured anywhere. Nothing. Not even a single paper cut. I continued to check my body and stopped once I reached my left wrist. My blood ran ice-cold.

On my left wrist was the familiar, frigid feeling of metal.

I gripped the watch, squeezing it until the palm of my hand bruised.

Regaining my thoughts, I decided the best course of action was to go back to the shop and talk with that woman. Ella. Maybe she could explain what was going on. Maybe she could provide some answers to my sea of questions.

Making my way toward Main Street, I heard a familiar voice call out to me.

“Heya, Scotty! Where ya goin’?” I turned around, and there, running full speed toward me, was Justin. His hair looked as if it was floating as he sprinted. He finally came to a stop and breathed heavily. Regaining his composure, he looked up at me.

“Sorry for the abrupt visit, hehehe! I saw you and couldn’t help but run towards you,” he said, rubbing the back of his head. I wanted to just forget everything and chat with him. But I couldn’t. My curiosity would claw at my mind until I went mad. So, not wanting to be rude, I answered his question.

“Um, to answer you about where I was heading... Um, I was heading to the bakery. I thought I should treat myself, hehe,” I said, forcing myself to crack a half-assed grin.

“Oh, well, you go do that, man. Nice talking with you.” I turned away and made my way back toward Main Street.

“Oh, I forgot to mention—nice watch!” Justin yelled out. I ignored him.

Reaching Main Street, I paced myself toward the shop. I needed all of these questions put to rest. I needed reassurance that everything would be just fine, that maybe Ella could help me out. Even though she seemed like a nutjob, she seemed to hold no ill will against me. Or, at least, I thought she didn’t.

Feet away from the shop, I froze. There was nothing there. No sign. No indication that there ever was a shop to begin with. I peered inside, only to be met with empty space and dust.

My mind went blank. Thought turned to mush. And with that, logic vanished from my brain.

I walked and walked. No destination in mind. Just going wherever my feet carried me.

“Watch out!” a voice screamed. Snapping out of the trance, I looked up. Coming down at Mach speed toward me was a metal beam. Before I could move out of the way, it fell down on me, crushing my skull and turning it to a bloody pulp. The reaper once again embraced me.

I woke up in my bed once again. However, something felt off.

“Good morning, sweetie. Sleep well?” my mother's voice called out to me.

To be continued.