The story begins with a boy staring at the ceiling, his mind racing. He keeps replaying various scenarios in his head, fearing the possible outcomes to the point of tears. Hours pass, and he's still awake. It's already 2 AM, almost dawn, but he continues to think about everything, lying in bed and wishing he were dead, eventually crying himself silent.

Red: It's like the memory of time is stabbing me directly in the heart. I hate it. I hate that I know how to think. I guess it would be better if I went crazy and clueless—at least then I wouldn't be in pain anymore. But what would others think of me? A burden? A crazy person influenced by the things that entertain me? Would my mom and my family treat me even worse, maybe even kick me out of the house? I don't think so. Maybe it's better for me to be dead. I wouldn't have to think about myself anymore. But what about those who need me? Ahh, they're just using me for their own sake. I can't even talk normally. I wonder what's happening to me. I think I shouldn't have existed. I'm pretty sleepy, but I can't calm myself. I'm always thinking about things and—

[chicken noises]

A shadow appears in the corner of Red's room, gradually taking the shape of a tall, cloaked figure. It's Death, Red's unusual but understanding friend.

Death: Red, you're overthinking again.

Red: Oh, it's you. What are you doing here?

Death: I sensed your turmoil and came to offer some comfort. You don't need to carry all this weight alone.

Red: It's hard. Everything feels so overwhelming. I can't see a way out.

Death: I know it seems endless, but you have more strength than you realize. Remember, even the darkest nights end with dawn.

Red: But what if things never change? What if I stay stuck in this loop forever?

Death: Change is inevitable, Red. You're about to start school again, face-to-face. It's a new opportunity. I'm sure you can socialize and make friends there.

Red: You really think so?

Death: Absolutely. You're a good person, Red. You have qualities that people will appreciate. Just give yourself a chance.

Red: But what if they judge me like my family does?

Death: Not everyone will. Some will see you for who you truly are. And those are the ones worth having in your life.

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Red: I hope you're right.

Death: Trust me. You're stronger than you think, and you deserve to be happy. Now, try to get some rest.

Red: I'll try. Thanks, Death.

Death: Anytime, Red.

[Death fades away, leaving Red with a sense of comfort and a glimmer of hope.]

Red: Another sleepless night, huh? I haven't gotten any sleep since yesterday. I should get up and start the day with chores. If I don't, my mom will be mad for sure. [Sighs] Alright, good morning!

His name is Red, a very normal teenager, but he's not been in a good situation for the past few months. He feels like he's in a loop, where every day the same events keep repeating, at least in his perception. He's trying to hide his presence from his family due to many circumstances and toxicity. Because of this, he starts the day with chores, and when he's done, it's as if he vanishes from the house. He suddenly disappears like a sudden death, but Red doesn't care because his family doesn't care either. Red rarely talks to his family because he has problems with them, but he only talks to them when it's absolutely necessary. Sometimes his family talks to him, but it's more like scolding, which Red hates. So, he prefers to lock himself in his room whenever he has nothing else to do around the house.

As the moment passes, he has to start another loop of his life. He's planning to end the loop but doesn't know how. No matter what, he will figure it out because he's already tired of dealing with it every day.

Red: Phew, breakfast is ready, and I'm done with the chores. I'll eat first before I go to my room. I don't have the appetite to eat, though. I guess I have to go to my room already to avoid them catching me and forcing me to eat with them. I don't like it, and even if they do, they'll just scold me or judge me. It's their habit, but I can't accept it. They don't think about my feelings. They just judge and don't care about the impact on me. It's so cruel on both sides. [sighs] I should go to my room before—

[door opens]

Red: Shit, I'm dead for sure. H-Hey there, mom. G-good morning. What the hell did I just say—

Maria: Hmm? Really? You just ruined my beautiful morning by being weird. If only you slept inside a coffin and didn't wake up, my morning wouldn't be ruined like this. Tsk! What a useless son I have.

Red: You're right, I should've slept in a buried coffin. M-My apologies.

Maria: About tomorrow?

Red: Shit, did I forget something? What about tomorrow? What is she talking about? Dammit, I know nothing. What the hell.

Maria: Tomorrow is your first day of school. Make sure to improve your grades, or I'll stop funding your education. I want you to be on top, understand?

Red: Y-Yes, ma'am—mother. Yes, mother.

Maria: Good. I don't want a useless son.

[Red walks to his room with a blue expression]

Maria: Aren't you going to eat breakfast?

Red: No thanks, I'm full.

Maria: Hmph!

[Red closes the door and jumps onto his bed with his full weight]

Red: Damn, I forgot about that. It's my first day of school tomorrow, face to face, huh? I wonder if I could make friends like I've watched in anime series. [sighs] I don't really know if I'm ready to socialize.

--END OF THE CHAPTER--

Reading Guide: Italic texts represents as the characters thoughts in their mind.

Msg from the author: Sorry for some grammatical errors, hope you've enjoyed the chapter.