Chapter 0: Lukas

Luka's POV:

*tick-tock*tick-tock*

I once again found myself looking at the familiar ceiling, clock despite being small the sounds it made was deafening, moonlight shines through the open window and dimly lit up the dark room.

"I can't sleep..." *sighs*

...

Surviving a war is more of a curse than a blessing really. While some managed to get back at society a large number of "them" weren't so lucky. Images of the dead flashing back, a simple balloon bursting turns into a mortar shelling exploding and the ghost of once allies now haunts their dreams.

...

*KNOCK!-KNOCK!*

"Come in"

"Good morning Lukas, I brought you some apples and blueberries."

"Thanks sis"

I said softly.

Today's August 18 Friday which also happened to be my birthday that is why she's here, my older sister. Her name is ________ she's the only family I have left.

"How are you feeling?"

She asked in concerned voice.

To which I responded jokingly. Trying to lighten up the mood, I don't like seeing her pained expression I can't handle it.

"Fantastic haha"

Sis furrowed her brows worried about my response

"It's true, and thanks again for coming by..."

"Don't mention it, I'm only doing what older sister's supposed to do"

she said while smiling.

Her smile was soft and gentle, full of kindness and love. I feel at peace whenever she's around.

"But..."

"Mhm??"

"I told you, you don't have to..."

That's right she's done enough for me, she prioritizes me to the point that she'd forgotten her own.

"I'm really grateful for what you've done to me sis but at the same time, I feel like I'm such a selfish person you know"

I said in a low voice while looking down trying to avoid eye contact with her.

"You should be out with your friends or go on a date enjoying your life, but instead you're here"

...

"In this stupid hospital room, with the most useless fucking piece of shit!"

"I can't do anything! thi-this broken body, I loathe it!!!"

I screamed, tears streaming down my face.

"I..."

Sis tried to speak, but she was choked with tears. she then slowly walked up to me and gave me a hug.

"Lukas you're not a burden to me, you know sis always visits you because I love you okay. You're the only one I have left that's why I prioritizes you, And it's my own choice so please stop trying to make me go away"

"I'll give you some space now Lukas I'm-"

"No sis I'm sorry, I'm really sorry"

"I need to get going now, I have a meeting to attend. Don't stay up late reading novels Kay? I love you and happy birthday"

"I know..."

"Bye, I'll see you tomorrow morning okay"

"Bye sis be careful"

...

If I knew that would be the last time I'd saw her, i would've been more honest with her. No I should have shown her or let her know how much I appreciate and love her.

I'm such a coward.

...

~× 10:12 PM Aug18,Fri

_ We apologies for cutting the show but this news is very important, just now it has been confirmed. At least 16 people are dead after the deadly bombing that happened around 9:55 PM inside this restaurant. We have been informed that a company dinner was taking place here...

"Huh"

I felt uneasy about the news there was something on it that's making me really uncomfortable.

So with trembling hands, I tried calling my older sister to check on her.

*Tu-Tut-Tut-tu* ~~

I wait and waited but the only thing I heard was a pre recorded audio.

"The number you have dialed is temporarily unavailable, please try again later"

... This just came in, we just got the list of the people who died here we will share it with you in a moment,,, it should be on the your screens now. Oh god bless this poor souls.

When I looked at the screen I couldn't help but to cry for the second time that day, there along side other victims I saw her face... My beloved older sister.

...

*BZZZZZ-BZZZZZZTZ*

"Today's the start of hellish days, I've only been here for 3 days and now I gotta attend classes again. Seriously"

...

After my older sister's unfortunate passing, dark thoughts came back. I started drinking and smoking again.

A bad habit I picked up after serving in the army for almost 10 years. I used it as a coping mechanism to forget the horrible things I've seen.

I was originally staying at the hospital waiting for my lung cancer treatment when the event happened, my sister who pays all the bills died so of course they had kicked me out.

After the war ended I never really got paid heck people don't even know I risked my own life for them, I fought for their freedom and safety but I didn't get even a simple thank you.

One day while I was walking home (after once again failing to land a job)

I saw a woman getting robbed by three men, i was planning on ignoring it but the woman probably saw me as she shouted help me.

I just continued on walking when suddenly one of the robbers came up to me and threatened to kill me if I don't hand out all my belongings, the money inside my wallet was the last one I got so I tried to reason with him.

The answer I got was a straight punch to which I easily avoided, my body may have gotten weaker but I still had a shit ton of experience. The robber took his knife out and started swinging it wildly.

When he tried to stab my stomach, I used my "messenger bag" as a shield and gave him an elbow in the face. He unfortunately didn't get knocked out so my only option left is to run away but before I could even do so I heard a gunshot and my vision turned black.

I died.

...

But that's not the end of it, for some unknown reason I got transported or reincarnated inside my own novel.

The novel I abandoned many years ago.