Shattered Destiny : Fate

In the moments after Teo placed his head on his grandpa's chest, everything went dark. It wasn't the ordinary darkness of closed eyes or a dimmed room, but a complete, overwhelming blackness that surrounded him from all directions. There was no sound, no ground beneath his feet, no gravity to anchor him. It felt like he had been suspended in nothingness—unable to move, breathe, or even blink. His mind raced, trying to make sense of where he was, and why he felt so… absent.

For what felt like an eternity, Teo floated in the void. His thoughts darted in and out, but all he could do was observe the endless blackness around him. Then, out of the corner of his vision, he noticed something. It was small at first, but unmistakably there—a tiny, glowing light. It was moving toward him, slowly at first, but growing larger and brighter with each passing moment.

As the light neared, its glow intensified until it enveloped him, bathing him in warmth and a strange sense of peace. The light now stood before him, forming into the shape of a being—radiant and pure, far beyond anything Teo could fully comprehend. A voice, calm and infinite, echoed in the stillness of the void.

"I am God," the being said, its voice resonating not only around him but deep within his soul. "I have come to grant you what you wished for."

Confusion and awe flooded Teo's mind. God? Here? What did He mean by granting his wish?

Then the memories of the hospital room flashed in his mind—his grandpa, frail and weeping, the overwhelming sadness that had filled him, and the single wish Teo had made over and over in his heart. It hit him then—his wish. In the midst of his grief, Teo had desperately wished that God would spare his grandpa. He had prayed for his grandpa's life, wishing that if someone had to go, it should be him instead. He was just a boy, and though he was loved, Teo often felt lonely. His grandpa, however, was cherished by many. The thought of losing him seemed unbearable.

"Your wish is noble," God continued, His voice gentle but unwavering. "You have asked for your grandpa's life in exchange for your own."

Teo's heart skipped a beat. It was true. In his desperation, he had made that wish countless times, believing it was the right thing to do. But now, standing before God, the weight of that decision hit him in a way it hadn't before. Did he really want to give up his life? Did he want to leave his family behind?

As if sensing his hesitation, God stepped closer, His light pulsating with a gentle, otherworldly energy. "You have wished to sacrifice yourself, but before I make your wish come true, I will give you a choice. If you still wish to save your grandpa, I will take your life in his place. However, if you change your mind, I will offer you something else."

Teo's thoughts swirled. Could he really give up his life? His parents, his sister—they still needed him, didn't they? What about his own dreams? The loneliness he felt now could fade with time, but once his life was gone, there would be no turning back.

God's voice cut through his thoughts. "If you choose to make this sacrifice, I will not end your existence entirely. I will reincarnate you. You will return to the same family, but in a different world. A new beginning, free from the burdens you carry now. You will live again, but everything you know will be different."

The offer hung in the air, both tempting and terrifying. Teo's heart raced as he considered it. Reincarnation? A new world? It seemed impossible, but here he was, standing before God Himself. The loneliness he had felt for so long weighed heavily on him now. He had always struggled with connecting to others, with feeling truly loved outside of his family. Maybe this was a way out. His parents had his baby sister now, someone to fill the space he would leave behind. And his grandpa—his grandpa could live on, inspiring and guiding others just as he always had.

The more Teo thought about it, the more his mind leaned toward a decision. It felt selfish, yet he couldn't ignore the pull. Maybe this was his purpose. Perhaps his life was meant to end this way, to give his grandpa a second chance at life.

With a deep breath, Teo looked up at the glowing figure before him. "I… I accept," he said, his voice trembling but resolute. "Take my life, and let my grandpa live. I'll go… I'll be reincarnated."

God's light flared brighter, and for a moment, Teo felt warmth surge through his entire being. The being extended its hand, not to touch him, but as if offering finality—a seal to his choice.

"You have chosen well, Teo," God said softly. "Your sacrifice will not be in vain. You will leave this world, but your soul will journey to a new one. There, you will find a new path."

Teo felt the weight of his decision settle over him, but there was no regret, only a strange sense of peace. As the blackness began to fade and the warmth of the light consumed him completely, Teo whispered his final thoughts.

"Take care of them… my family. And grandpa… thank you."

With that, the light swallowed him whole, and Teo's existence in that world was no more.