Chapter 1 (Edited)

It was very cold, and rain poured heavily outside. I had just finished reading the novel I started yesterday. To be honest, I felt a pang of disappointment; the main character turned out to be such a scoundrel.

With a sigh, I began packing my things for school. I needed to turn in my research paper today, but fortunately, I'd managed to finish it last night, just before diving into that novel.

I reached for the door handle, umbrella in hand. "Mom, I'm heading out!" I called.

"Alright, sweetie! Are you sure you don't want some breakfast before you go?" Mom asked as she emerged from the kitchen, her voice warm and gentle.

I shook my head, smiling slightly. "No, thanks, Mom. I'll be late if I stay any longer."

She nodded, smiling as she reached up to pat my head gently. "Okay. Just be careful and have fun, alright?"

Mom's warmth made me want to stay a bit longer, but I really couldn't afford to be late. I nodded, returning her smile. "Thanks, Mom," I said, pulling her into a tight hug. It struck me that I couldn't even remember the last time I hugged her like this. She hugged me back, placing a soft kiss on the top of my head.

"You go on now, sweetie." I gave her one last nod and left.

As I walked toward the bus station, I noticed the rain getting heavier, accompanied by the distant rumble of thunder. Worry surged through me as I thought about my research paper. I couldn't let it get wet! Picking up my pace, I ran, hoping to reach the shelter of the bus station quickly.

Finally, I could see the station ahead. Despite the ache in my legs, I pushed myself to run faster, relieved that I was almost there.

But just then, a flash of lightning struck me. Before I could even register the pain, my vision faded to black.

A wave of regret washed over me. What if I'd stayed a little longer to have breakfast with Mom? Would this still have happened? At least I hugged her one last time, right? I guess… this is really it.

Yet, as I sank into the darkness, my vision gradually brightened. I found myself in a place shrouded in white, with mist—or was it clouds?—around me. I seemed to be barefoot, standing on a smooth, cold surface.

Confusion swept over me. Wasn't I dead? Then… where am I?

As I puzzled over my surroundings, a deep, commanding voice echoed behind me. "Worry not; you are not entirely dead… though, you did die."

I turned, startled, and saw an older man with a mighty presence. He had a mane of white hair and a thick beard, his frame surprisingly muscular.

"Who… who are you?" I stammered, "And where am I?"

The man chuckled. "I am God! Or, to be precise, the God of the world where you once lived."

So, God was real after all. All this time, I'd been an atheist… Well, I suppose that no longer mattered.

"Um… God? You said I'm not entirely dead. What do you mean by that?" I asked, still trying to grasp the situation.

God scratched his head, looking somewhat embarrassed. "Ah, yes… About that. Last night, we were having a banquet, and we, well… showed off the worlds we manage. And… an overenthusiastic god accidentally touched the spot where you were standing."

The realization hit me, and anger surged through me. "So, I died because of your carelessness?" I snapped. I didn't care if he was a god. My life had been taken pointlessly, and it felt so unfair.

"Um, yes… I must admit, it was our fault," he said, looking somewhat guilty. "But don't worry! The one responsible has agreed to compensate you. He's offering to let you be reborn in another world under his care."

I grew even angrier. "Do you think that's enough? What about my mother on Earth? She's all alone now! Can't you just let me go back?"

God's expression softened with regret. "If I could, I would. But even we gods have rules. Once a human dies, we cannot return them to their original world. It would disrupt the world's order."

I wanted to argue, but deep down, I began to understand. Still, I worried for my mother. God seemed to notice my distress.

"Don't worry," he said gently. "I promise I will look after your mother. I'll make sure she has a happy life."

"Will you really do that for me?" I asked, my voice softening.

God nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "I will. You have my word."

Relieved, I felt a sense of acceptance settling over me. God mentioned that he would bestow a blessing upon me before sending me on my way. I couldn't stop thinking about Mom, so I didn't ask what it was. I suppose I'd discover it soon enough.