Chapter 1: "The End and a New Beginning"

It was a rainy afternoon on the streets of Los Angeles. The drops fell heavily on the sidewalk, forming puddles that reflected the lights of the cars speeding by. A small boy and a woman, who appeared to be his mother, walked hand in hand under a burgundy umbrella. The sound of their footsteps echoed on the wet asphalt as they moved calmly, without haste.

As they passed in front of an appliance store, they momentarily stopped. A group of televisions in the display window showed a news story that soon captured their attention. The voice of the anchor, somber and solemn, echoed through the speakers:

"On this tragic October afternoon in 2043, we have lost Ethan Graves, also known as The Eternal Loser. The artist, who never achieved success despite his tireless efforts, has died from what appears to be an overdose of unknown substances. No further details have been provided..."

Ethan's image appeared on the screen: a weary man, with pronounced dark circles under his eyes, contrasting with an expression that had once been determined. Suddenly, the camera seemed to pull away, rising as if ascending to the sky, while the news continued with more speculation.

"What the hell!" was heard suddenly, cutting through the solemn atmosphere. "That's not true, I never did drugs!"

The voice was clear, strong, and filled with frustration. Ethan, or what was left of him, was observing everything from some indeterminate place, but visible to him. Rage consumed him. From an overdose? No... his death had been from pure exhaustion, a tragic end after years of sacrifice without reward.

"Ethan," a deep, grave voice sounded behind him, interrupting him. "Mind your language when you're in my presence."

Ethan jumped. He hadn't sensed anyone else there; he hadn't even realized where he really was. Turning around, a tall, powerful figure loomed among shadows that had no source. It was an imposing presence, impossible to ignore.

"Where am I?" was the first thing that came out of Ethan's mouth, unable to hide his confusion. The figure let out a slow, guttural laugh, almost mocking.

"Ho, ho, ho... Don't you remember, Ethan?"

Ethan took a step back, fear and confusion beginning to take hold of him. —"H... how do you know my name?" he stammered.

"Because I am the one who created you, Ethan," replied the figure. "And in fact, I wanted to talk to you about that."

Ethan's eyes widened. A mix of anger, sadness, and perplexity crossed his face. And then, in a burst of fury, he exploded. —"So you're the Creator, huh?! You're the one who never gave me a single chance, not even one! No matter how hard I tried, it didn't matter how many times..."

The Creator raised a hand, and almost magically, Ethan's outburst ceased, as if he couldn't continue no matter how much he wished to. The figure approached slowly, its tone now softer, yet equally imposing.

"Ethan, I understand your frustration. This wasn't how it was meant to be. I made... a mistake. For some reason that still eludes me, your life was condemned to a series of unfair failures. I miscalculated that terrible bad luck that haunted you. But I am here to make amends."

Ethan, still tense, didn't know how to process what he was hearing. "Make amends...?" he murmured.

"That's right," said the Creator. —"I will give you a new opportunity. In your next life, I want you to choose the family you will be reborn into."

Suddenly, three images appeared before Ethan, each showing a different home.

The first option was a young, loving family; the image showed a gay couple in a modest apartment, but filled with personality, with large windows letting in sunlight and filling the space with life. It was a gay couple who had finally found a surrogate to fulfill their dream of having a child. They lived in San Francisco and were artists at heart: one was a successful choreographer on Broadway, and the other was a pianist who performed concerts around the world. They had dreamed of starting a family, and you would be their first child. They lived in a safe and artistic neighborhood, both ready to shower you with all the love they could give.

Ethan watched, but with little emotion.

"The second family," the Creator continued, "is a young couple living in a quiet community in southern Florida. Both are university professors. He teaches literature, and she is a recognized marine biologist in her field. Their home is near the beach, in a natural and peaceful environment. They are kind, patient, and deeply intellectual. They want a child to share their love for knowledge and nature."

Ethan looked at the image of this couple: a calm-looking man with stacks of books on his desk and a smiling woman surrounded by research equipment with the ocean in the background.

"And the third," the Creator continued, "is a young couple who just got married. They live in downtown Los Angeles. He is a businessman with big dreams starting his own company, developing a project that is already bearing fruit, and she is a singing teacher. Both are very attractive and eager to start a family. Perhaps this option might interest you, considering your love for music."

Ethan looked at the third option. A small house on a busy street in Los Angeles, a vibrant city full of opportunities.

"So, Ethan," said the Creator, "the choice is yours."

Without thinking much, Ethan pointed to the third image. —"I want that family."

The Creator raised an eyebrow, surprised by the quickness of his decision. "Are you sure?" he asked. "I've heard that gay couples can also offer you a loving home, and they are very musical..."

Ethan firmly interrupted him. "I'm sure."

The Creator, visibly irritated by the interruption but not showing it too much on his face, nodded slowly. "Very well. If that is your choice, then it shall be so. But before I send you, I want to give you something."

With a swift motion, the Creator touched Ethan's forehead, and a warm sensation spread throughout his body. "I will grant you a small portion of my powers. Nothing grand, but it will be something you awaken when the time is right. Consider this my way of making amends for what happened in your previous life."

Ethan closed his eyes, feeling that warmth seep into the depths of his being.

"Welcome to your new life, Ethan," said the Creator in a solemn tone. "This time, let it be different."

And, with a blink, everything disappeared.