Anagapesis
Chapter 1
The first thing Tristan saw after opening his eyes was the solid white ceiling.
The constant beep sound was giving him a sharp headache.
He noticed his whole body felt sluggish and in pain.
He observed his surroundings, ignoring his discomfort of eyesight.
The sudden sound of someone opening the door took his attention.
Mable
Mr. Smith! You're awake!
Mable
Please don't be surprised. I'll go call the doctor right away.
The nurse left in a hurry.
Tristan closed his eyes as he knew he can't do anything.
His body was in a condition as if he had been sleeping for a long time.
He needed help with sitting up. Thus it was futile to try anything.
As the door opened again, the doctor accompanied by the nurse he saw earlier entered.
Doctor
Mr. Smith, how are you feeling?
His voice was unusually hoarse and it was uncomfortable to speak.
Doctor
Nurse, please check his condition and take notes.
Doctor
[Nervous] Ahem... Mr. Smith, don't panic by what I'm going to say.
Doctor
You've been unconscious for 47 days.
The doctor was a little shocked to see the unusual and unexpected calmness.
Doctor
You'll feel discomfort in movement and speaking. Your senses are also sensitive. You'll recover in a few days.
Doctor
I have already informed your family. Your parents will arrive soon.
Doctor
The nurse will stay with you, if you face any difficulties and require any help feel free to ask her.
Doctor
Then I'll take my leave.
The nurse handed the medical file over to the doctor as he left.
Tristan Smith
Excuse me...
Tristan Smith
What is my name?
Chapter 2
Doctor
So... You don't remember anything?
Doctor
Not even your childhood?
Tristan Smith
It's not like that.
Tristan Smith
I just want to know my name to be sure if I remember correctly.
Doctor
Isn't that the same?
After the short-lived chaos created by the nurse, who seems to be rather a timid squirrel, the doctor was trying to understand the situation.
Doctor
I think you have amnesia. I'll talk with a doctor specialized in this field. So, don't be scared.
Doctor
(How will I explain this to his father?! What if he kills me?!)
Tristan Smith
(I just want to know my name... why is this so tough?)
The door opened. A tall man, apparently in their 40s, entered the room.
Tristan Smith
[Freezes in shock]
Xavier Smith
How's he, doctor?
Doctor
Mr. Smith, about that...
Tristan's voice was barely a whisper. If not for the quiet environment of the hospital, no one would be able to hear it.
Doctor
Oh! You remember him?
Doctor
[Crying in happiness inside]
He didn't reply as the shock was still on his face. But Xavier could tell it was not only shock he was feeling. Tristan's emotion was quite complex, but he was unable to point it out.
Moreover, there was another issue...
Xavier Smith
Father? Not papa? [Confused]
The doctor's voice caught their attention.
Doctor
So… Do you remember anything else?
Xavier was alert as soon as he heard the doctor.
Xavier Smith
"Anything else"? What does it mean? What happened, doctor?
The cold and serious tone made the doctor flinch.
Doctor
Ah... I-It's nothing serious.
Doctor
A few moments ago he didn't seem to remember his name.
Xavier Smith
What?! [Shocked]
Tristan Smith
Don't worry. I remember.
Tristan Smith
It's Tristan Smith.
Doctor
Good. Anything you don't remember?
Tristan Smith
No. I remember everything.
It wasn't like Tristan didn't remember something. Rather he remembered too many things which made him confused.
Doctor
Then... I'll leave now. Both of you can chat.
Doctor
I'll come back after evaluating your condition.
Doctor
[Left as if he'll miss his bus]
Tristan was staring at the heart monitor which was constantly beeping declaring he was alive.
Tristan Smith
Yes, father.
After a few seconds of silence he looked at Xavier for the first time.
Xavier Smith
Explain yourself. I'll not take any excuses.
Chapter 3
Hendrix
So, my work is finally done?
Provat
Yes. Thank you for your hard work.
Hendrix
(Ah… I'll finally get to rest in peace)
Ratri
HE, the Almighty, will bestow upon you his blessings for helping in purifying the evil, and grant you a wish.
Provat
What do you want, my child?
Hendrix
I want to dîë. [Immediate answer]
Hendrix
Yes. Salvation, to be more clear.
He wore a confident and determined expression. He knew what he wanted and didn't hesitate to demand it. Yet the eyes of such a strong man was devoid of any life. As if he lost his soul.
Hendrix
(It's already been more than hundreds of years. I don't even remember how many lives I've lived. If I failed, everything kept repeating. The endless cycle of pain... I want this hell to end...)
Provat and Ratri nodded at each other in confirmation. Then both the gods clasped their hands and prayed.
A brilliant light surrounded them for a few moments. After it disappeared they looked at the warrior.
Provat
HE granted your wish, for HE is benevolent.
Ratri
But first, you have to complete your life cycle.
Hendrix
What does that mean?!
Provat
We don't know. Only HE is all-knowing.
Ratri
"You'll know once you wake up." That's HIS message.
The last straw of sanity broke as the words spoken by the gods felt nothing but absurd to him.
Hendrix
THIS DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE!!!
Hendrix
FIRST YOU BRING ME HERE FOR YOUR PROBLEMS! AND NOW THAT I'M DONE HELPING YOU, YOU'RE THROWING ME AWAY?!
Hendrix
I JUST WANTED ONE SIMPLE THING!!!
Hendrix
WHY IS IT SO HARD TO GIVE ME THAT?!!
Provat
My child, it's not like that!
Hendrix
THEN WHAT EXACTLY IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!
Ratri
Ah.. We.. We can't say. Only HE knows.
Hendrix was breaking down. He couldn't handle it anymore.
Both the gods were panicking. It was the first time ever they saw him like this. Even at his lowest at first he used to cry in silence, later he kept his calm and moved forward.
He never screamed or broke down like this. It became evident how much he wanted everything to end.
So, they didn't know what to do.
It only took a couple of moments, and he became calm like before.
Hendrix
Let's proceed with whatever this büllshît is.
Hendrix
I don't care anymore.
A sound of bell, burning light rays, the feeling of floating in air, a very soft and sweet fragrance, this comfortable warmth... he remembers these. For this is how he was brought to the twin gods. This was the beginning of his hellish life. And now he was leaving just like this.
He didn't know where he'll end up going but unlike before, now he didn't show any concern. His mind was silent.
Provat
Goodbye, my child, be happy.
Ratri
May your journey be comfortable.
Their voice was drifting in the air as he gradually lost his consciousness.
Tristan wasn't expecting much.
He thought he'll end up living a new life as Hendrix just like how it has been for centuries.
Yet he was here. In his first ever life, where even in his wildest dream he never thought he'll be able to go back to.
Tristan Smith
I pushed Liam off the stairs. Matthew saw. He tried to catch him. Accidentally pushed me. So, I fell.
Tristan Smith
(Karma's a bîtçh)
The blessing of god of memories is quite helpful. It made all of his memories crystal clear. Even though it's from a very long time ago.
Xavier Smith
If you wanted to get rid of someone you should have come to me.
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