1 Chapter 1

As I gazed at the stars, I couldn't recall how long I had been lost in their twinkling embrace. My dream, once centered on becoming an astronaut and exploring the vast reaches of the galaxy, had been crushed by a rare and debilitating disease—cystic fibrosis. This condition, marked by respiratory and digestive challenges, coupled with my inherited frailty from my mother, condemned me to a life confined to hospitals.

Ironically, within those sterile walls, I experienced moments of normalcy. The hospital staff, nurses, and doctors treated me with love, allowing me to feel like any other child. I fondly remember my 15th birthday, when the entire hospital, alongside my parents, pooled their resources to gift me a mobile phone. It was a tearful moment, as this simple device offered a glimpse into a world where I could communicate on platforms like Snapchat, watch videos, and most importantly, escape my confined reality through the world of fanfiction.

However, this newfound joy was short-lived. The inevitable moment arrived when my strength waned, and the desperate desire to speak clawed at me. My parents, along with tearful nurses and doctors, surrounded me as the end approached. I wanted to reassure them, to smile and convey that this was just the beginning of a journey. Yet, my failing body betrayed me, and I could only offer silent gratitude.

"Forgive me, my dear," my mother uttered through her despair.

"Son, even if you leave us, know that we love you more than anything else," my father whispered, struggling to hold back tears.

Nurses and doctors, who had watched me grow up, shed tears for a life about to end too soon.

As my strength dwindled, I managed to express, "Thank you, to all of you. I had a great family," tears streaming down my face. Like one of my heroes, I maintained a smile.

As darkness enveloped me, I expected nothing but nothingness. Yet, to my surprise, I found myself in a place both strangely familiar and undeniably different. Opening my eyes to a night sky adorned with stars, I was no longer bound by illness. Confusion set in, but the air was crisp, the surroundings different—a grassy plain bordered by dense woods. I touched my chest, expecting weakness, but found strength and vitality.

A sudden realization washed over me.