CHAPTER 3: REBORN

I open my eyes, expecting to be surrounded by that strange, ethereal whiteness where the angel had spoken to me. But instead, I'm greeted by something entirely different. Gone are the empty, endless expanses of that otherworldly realm.

Now, my vision is filled with the face of a young woman—a beautiful, blonde-haired woman with striking red eyes that sparkle with warmth and kindness. Her face is full of life, glowing with an energy that immediately makes me feel at ease. It's a face that could easily belong to an idol or a celebrity back in my old world.

As I take in her features, I can see that she's smiling down at me, her expression one of pure joy. It's a smile so bright that it could chase away the darkest clouds. Her beauty is almost overwhelming, and for a moment, I forget everything else. There's something deeply comforting about her presence, as if everything terrible that has ever happened to me is nothing but a distant memory in her light.

But wait a second… something's off. Why is she holding me? The realization hits me like a ton of bricks—I'm not just lying in her arms; I'm being carried like a newborn baby.

A wave of shock runs through me, and I try to move, to speak, but all that comes out is a tiny, helpless gurgle. My limbs feel strange and uncoordinated, like I'm not in control of them. My body feels impossibly small and fragile.

Before I can even begin to process this, the woman speaks, her voice as sweet and gentle as her appearance.

"Will... Will will be your name," she says softly, as if the words are a sacred declaration.

Her voice is filled with such affection that it sends a strange warmth coursing through me. I'm stunned. Will? Is that supposed to be my name? Does that mean…?

I'm reborn. The realization slowly dawns on me. I really did get another chance, just as the angel had promised. And this beautiful woman, with her soothing voice and radiant smile, is my mother in this new world.

For a moment, a surge of relief and happiness washes over me. This place… it seems like a paradise, a far cry from the misery and suffering of my previous life.

As I marvel at the turn of events, another voice suddenly joins the scene, breaking through my thoughts. It's a man's voice, brimming with excitement and perhaps a hint of nervousness.

"Lily, can I hold Will now?" the man asks, his tone carrying a kind of eagerness that only a proud new father could muster.

The woman—my mother—turns her gaze toward the man, and her smile somehow grows even warmer. "Of course, Will, here's your father," she replies, her voice filled with affection as she carefully hands me over.

So, my mother's name is Lily, I think to myself as I'm transferred from her arms to those of my father. As I look up at the man who now holds me, I take in his appearance.

Unlike my mother, whose beauty could captivate the masses, my father has a more subdued charm. His build isn't particularly large or muscular; in fact, he seems rather ordinary. His blue hair matches his eyes, both of which are bright but carry a hint of weariness, as if he's seen his share of life's challenges. There's a softness to his features, a gentleness that makes him seem approachable, even if he doesn't exactly look like someone who could protect his family from danger.

Despite his rather unassuming appearance, there's an unmistakable kindness in the way he holds me, as if I'm the most precious thing in the world to him. His arms, though not particularly strong, cradle me with care. I can feel the steady beat of his heart through his chest, a rhythmic assurance that everything will be okay.

"Will, I am your father, William," he says, his voice trembling slightly with emotion. It's clear that he's overwhelmed with joy, perhaps even a little nervous about his new role as a father. "I will do my best to raise you well," he adds, a vow filled with determination.

So, my father's name is William… just like mine. I can't help but find it a little amusing, though the thought is fleeting. Right now, I'm more focused on the fact that I've been reborn into a family that already loves me so much.

My mother, Lily, with her radiant beauty and gentle demeanor, and my father, William, with his quiet strength and kindness… they're my parents now. I can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude toward the angel who gave me this second chance.

I guess I'll have to wait a few years before I can really do anything on my own, I think to myself, resigning to the fact that I'm just a newborn for now. But in the meantime, I can already tell that this life is going to be different. This time, I'm going to live my life to the fullest, just like I promised.

As I lie in my father's arms, a sudden pang of hunger hits me out of nowhere, cutting through my thoughts. It's an uncomfortable, gnawing sensation, and it takes me by surprise.

I try to speak, to tell them that I'm hungry, but all that comes out is a pitiful wail. The sound of my own crying startles me. It's strange to think that I'm so helpless now that I can't even communicate my most basic needs.

My father looks down at me, his expression one of concern. "Why did you start crying all of a sudden?" he asks, clearly worried. He glances over at my mother, seeking guidance.

Lily, who seems much more in tune with what's happening, smiles knowingly. "He must be hungry," she says gently. "Let me hold him. I'll feed him."

William nods and carefully hands me back to my mother. As she cradles me in her arms once more, I feel an overwhelming sense of security, like nothing bad can happen as long as she's holding me. But then, her words sink in. Feed me? How is she going to—wait, is she going to—?

My train of thought is abruptly derailed as Lily begins to unbutton the top of her dress, revealing her chest. I realize with a start that she's going to breastfeed me. My face would flush with embarrassment if it could, but all I can do is stare in shock as she positions me against her breast.

"Here, Will," she says softly, guiding my mouth to her nipple. Her voice is full of love and patience, as if she knows exactly how awkward this must be for me. "It's okay. You need to eat to grow strong."

I have no choice but to latch on. After all, I need to survive. The moment my mouth closes around her nipple, I'm overwhelmed by an instinctual drive to suckle, and to my surprise, the milk that flows into my mouth is warm and comforting. It's soothing in a way I never expected, and before I know it, I'm drinking eagerly, all my previous discomfort forgotten. The rich, creamy taste fills me with a warmth that spreads through my entire body, and the hunger that had been gnawing at me just moments ago begins to fade away.

As I continue to feed, a strange sense of contentment washes over me. This is so different from the life I knew before, so much more… peaceful. There's no pain, no loneliness, no despair. Just warmth, love, and the feeling of being cared for. It's almost too good to be true.

After what feels like both an eternity and an instant, I begin to feel sleepy. My eyelids grow heavy, and the world around me starts to blur. I'm so full, so comfortable, that I can't keep my eyes open any longer. My mother's gentle humming fills the air as she rocks me back and forth, lulling me into a deep, dreamless sleep.

I drift off in her arms, feeling safe and loved in a way I've never experienced before. This world, this life… it's already so much better than anything I could have imagined. And as I fade into the comforting darkness, I know that whatever challenges lie ahead, I won't be facing them alone. I have a family now, a real family that cares for me. And with that thought, I let myself be carried away into sleep, ready to embrace whatever this new world has in store for me.