Chapter 28: Celebration and the Other Side

Chapter 28: Celebration and the Other Side

Axel sat on the softened rubber-like chair of the restaurant, his mind wandering even as his body rested. The place was bustling, as usual. People crowded the tables, paired off into groups of two or three, laughing and enjoying their meals. To everyone else, it was just another day, another meal. But for Axel, today was different. He wasn't here for coffee like he usually was. Today, he had come to eat.

His eyes scanned the menu out of habit, but his mind wasn't really on the food. Every inch of the restaurant triggered a memory. **Mom** laughing at something **Dad** said, the warmth of family dinners, a time when life was simpler. His heart sank, his gaze slipping to the empty chairs around them. His parents were gone now, just like in his first life. The crushing realization settled heavily in his chest.