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My eighteenth birthday wasn't just a milestone—it was a revelation. On that day, my past life's memories came flooding back, crashing into my present like waves against the shore. At first, it felt like a curse. How could I reconcile two lives, two identities? The struggle to accept this new reality was overwhelming. But slowly, I found a middle ground, a platform to stand on, and I began to move forward.

In this life, I am John, the son of Dan and Jessica. My father, Dan, was a businessman—fiercely independent, with no family or relatives to lean on. My mother, Jessica, was American, estranged from her family who never accepted her marriage. Despite these challenges, they built a life together, and we were happy.

The interior of an SUV driving through the Mexican countryside. John, now 18, sits in the backseat with his parents, Dan and Jessica, as they make their way to Mari's house for the wedding. The mood is light, filled with anticipation for the celebration. Suddenly, the peaceful drive is shattered by the sound of gunfire. The convoy is ambushed by a cartel, and chaos ensues.

John: (nervously) Dad, what's happening?

Dan: (urgently) Stay down, John! Jessica, keep him safe!

Their guards immediately take action, exchanging fire with the cartel members. The initial burst of gunfire is deafening, and the SUV rocks with the impact of bullets. The guards form a protective barrier, but they are quickly outnumbered.

Jessica: (frightened) Dan, we need to get out of here!

Dan: (resolute) No, we stay together. I won't let them hurt you.

Dan, a businessman who rarely shows fear, now reveals a steely determination. He exits the SUV, grabbing a gun from one of the fallen guards. Methodically, he begins to take down the attackers, his movements precise and deadly. But the cartel's numbers are overwhelming.

John: (panicking) Dad, watch out!

Dan sees a cartel member rushing towards John and Jessica. Without hesitation, he sprints after the attacker, taking a bullet in the back. With his last ounce of strength, Dan raises his gun and shoots the assailant, killing him instantly. Dan collapses, his life slipping away.

Dan: (gasping) Jessica... John... I love you both... Be strong...

Dan takes his final breath, and Jessica's scream pierces the air.

Jessica: (desperately) No! Dan!

John is paralyzed with shock, torn between the urge to save his mother and the instinct to flee. His previous life persona, with memories of loss and survival, screams at him to run, but he can't abandon his family.

John: (whispering to himself) What do I do? What do I do?

The last cartel member, seeing an opportunity, advances towards John and Jessica. Jessica, filled with fierce determination, picks up a gun from the ground. She fires at the attacker, but he turns and returns fire she got hit.

Jessica: John Live a good and happy life!

Jessica takes her last breath, her eyes filled with love and sorrow as she succumbs to her injuries. John watches in horror, his heart shattering.

John: (sobbing) Mom! No, please, no!

The sound of approaching sirens in the distance grows louder, signaling that help is on the way. The cartel member, hearing the sirens, flees the scene, leaving John alone amidst the devastation. He cradles his mother's lifeless body, tears streaming down his face.

John: (whispering) I promise, Mom. I'll try to live a good and happy life. I'll make you and Dad proud.

John's 18th birthday, meant to be a day of celebration, becomes the day he awakens to his previous life's memories and faces the unimaginable loss of his parents. He feels the weight of both his past and present lives merging, and he vows to find a way to honor his parents' sacrifice and their wishes for him.

Police Officer: (gently) Son, are you okay? Can you tell us what happened here?

John: (nodding slowly, his voice barely a whisper) Yes, I... I can. My name is John. My parents were Dan and Jessica. We were attacked... by the cartel.

Police Officer: (sympathetically) I'm sorry for your loss. We'll take you to the station, get you some help. Is there anyone you can call?

John: (after a moment of hesitation) Yes, I need to call Mari Sol and her family. They're expecting us.

The police take John to the station. He remains quiet, lost in thought, trying to come to terms with his dual existence. Upon arrival, he is given a phone. He dials Mari's number with trembling hands.

Mari Sol: (answering the phone, worried) Hello?

John: (voice cracking) Mari, it's John. I'm at the police station. I need your help.

Mari Sol: (rushing) John! We were so worried. We're coming right away. Hang in there.

Shortly after, Mari and her family arrive at the police station. Mari rushes in and hugs John tightly, her eyes filled with tears.

Mari Sol: (sobbing) John, how are you? We've been so worried about you.

John: (hugging her back, tears streaming down his face) I'm... I'm okay, Mari. Just trying to process everything.

Mari's Father: (placing a reassuring hand on John's shoulder) Don't worry, son. We're here for you. We'll take care of you.

John: (nodding) Thank you. I need to call Harvey, our family lawyer. He's my guardian now.

John dials Harvey's number, and after a few rings, Harvey answers.

Harvey: (concerned) John? What's going on? Are you safe?

John: (taking a deep breath) Harvey. We were attacked by the cartel. My parents... they're gone. I need your help.

Harvey: (firmly) I'm so sorry, John. I'll take care of everything. Just stay with Mari and her family. I'm on my way.

John: (relieved) Thank you, Harvey. I don't know what I'd do without you.

Mari then takes John to her house. The atmosphere is somber but filled with support and care. Harvey arrives shortly after, organizing the transfer of John and his parents' bodies to America. Before leaving, Harvey speaks with Mari and her family.

Harvey: (grateful) Thank you, Mari, for taking care of John. I'll handle everything from here.

Mari Sol: (hugging John one last time) Take care, John. We'll always be here for you.

John: (smiling weakly) Thank you, Mari. You've been like family to me.

Harvey takes John and his parents' bodies back to America. The funeral is held with dignity and respect, honoring Dan and Jessica. John stands by the graves, making a silent promise to live his life fully, carrying the love and lessons from both his past and present lives.

John: (whispering to the graves) I will live a good and happy life, just as you wanted. Thank you for everything. I promise to make you proud.

Harvey stands beside him, placing a reassuring hand on John's shoulder. The scene fades out with John looking determined, ready to face his future with the strength and love of his parents guiding him.

John walks away from the graves, each step symbolizing a new beginning, as he embraces his new path with the support of his newfound family and the memories of his past.