C1. Coffin

As I extend my arms, I unexpectedly made contact with the surface directly in front of me. Soft and silky texture, a cushion-like feeling when to touch just the same as the one where I am laying at.

The surface had a concave shape, although the restricted space prevented me from fully raising my hand to bring it closer to my face. To improve my grip and awaken my muscles, I started flexing my palms, opening and closing them repeatedly.

"SOMEONE PLEASE! IS ANYONE THERE!?" I shouted, thinking someone might help me.

With my palms fully resting on the surface ahead of me, I exerted pressure strategically, aiming to maximize the force applied. 

Initially, the object proved too weighty to manipulate, prompting me to devise an alternative approach.

Observing that the majority of available space resided at the bottom, where my foot was positioned, I proceeded to wiggle my foot within the enclosure.

Subsequently, I repeatedly raised and lowered my legs, honing my ability to generate momentum rand gaining mastery over the muscle groups in my lower extremities

*kick*

The sound implies that the object before me is not as weighty as my initial expectations.

My educated guess suggests that it is constructed from wood, with a soft interior coating. Intrigued by this revelation, I proceed to kick the surface and exert pressure using my bare hands.

*kick* *kick* *kick*

I gasped for air, feeling completely drained. The constant impact against the bottom had taken a toll on my foot, causing it to throb with pain.

Summoning all the energy I had left, I took a deep breath, inhaling as much oxygen as possible. 

With one final burst of strength, I forcefully struck the bottom of the box and lifted the wooden lid with all my might.

Suddenly, the lid shifted, causing some soil to spill and tilting to the right, creating a small opening beneath my foot and up my leg. 

With one very last push, using my fingers and my right foot sticking out, I pushed the surface to my right slowly until finally falling down the right side and getting off front of me. 

Upon opening the box where I found myself, I was greeted by the gentle patter of raindrops on my face. 

The overcast sky and gray ambiance refreshed my entire being, though it left me a bit damp. 

Basking in the natural light, I inclined my head to examine my attire. I was adorned in a sophisticated black tuxedo jacket and pants, a gray pleated dress shirt, a matching best, and a black tie. 

Inspecting my shoes, I noticed slight signs of wear, likely due to earlier missteps. Upon touching the fabric, the fabric felt polyester. My suit looks too expensive for me to wear.

I positioned my hands on the box's edge. Using a firm grip as I began to lift my upper body. Meanwhile, my legs struggled to provide the necessary force to push myself up. After this exertion, I eased into a seated position to take a moment and recuperate.

As each raindrop descends upon me, saturating my entire being, my clothing becomes increasingly soaked, eventually permeating even my inner layers. 

Within the box-like enclosure, water collects as the rain infiltrates, dampening the cushioned plating. 

With my palms, dampened by the downpour, I wipe my eyes, gaining a clearer view of my surroundings. 

Briefly, I gaze upward at the somber sky, invigorating myself as rainwater cascades over my dampening hair, wary of the possibility of catching cold from the rain.

Previously, inside the enclosed space, heat had built up, the result of my effort to open the lid, allowing for a breath of fresh air.

Upon surveying my surroundings, I observed an abundance of soil and mud strewn haphazardly atop the wooden lid and throughout the entire box. 

The majority of the debris had accumulated on the wooden lid, which required a considerable amount of effort to pry open.

With rainwater cascading down the curved surface of the lid, some of the aforementioned debris began trickling down and eventually reaching the ground.

What the hell is going on!?

There were two substantial heaps of soil and rocks on either side of me. 

These piles appeared to have been previously positioned on top of the box from which I had just awakened. 

On the right pile, mud began to trickle down, cascading all the way to the box's base, drawing my attention to the now askew lid that had fallen off when I pushed it away.

I started to notice letters written in the inner side of the lid, something I didn't noticed from before because of the lack of light.

As I gently slid the lid aside, I sought a clearer perspective of what lay within the box. Suddenly, my eyes were drawn to a sense of familiarity as a striking cursive name I'm familiar of crossed my mind. 

I am well acquainted with this particular name – it happens to be my own name as well.

Beside my written name is a photograph of me, smiling and wearing a formal attire short, wavy hair.

As I pondered whether my assumption was correct, I directed my gaze towards the box's side.

Carved ornaments adorned each side of the box, which was predominantly white with silver accents.

There was no mistaking it – the box was a coffin, and it was meant for me.

I don't get it… Wha- what!?... 

I started to get dizzy as a burst of questions ran through my head. 

How is this possible?! I am dead!? I can't even remember anything!? If I were once dead, how am I alive!?

As the panic resurfaced, my heart raced and my breathing became rapid.

I frantically questioned the reality of the situation and wondered if it could possibly be the afterlife. Fear gripped me, and my mind raced with thoughts as the rain poured relentlessly upon me.

With gradual determination, I managed to rise, initially relying on my right foot and then my left foot to propel myself upward from the base of the coffin. 

Though I succeeded in standing, I still struggled with the exertion required to support my own weight, resulting in an uncomfortable posture.