It wasn't like I was a shut-in, I was adopted by a few extroverts so that made my life a bit easier. Most of the time I let them do the talking, and when it was time for me to speak up I did. With things this way people didn't notice how awkward I was. At least outside of my nickname, smile-chan. I received this nickname because I had a bad habit of making an awkward smile and chuckle, whenever I didn't know what to say; in my mind, I thought it helped fill the awkward void but really… it made things worse.
I can't say that before I met my end the day was unlike any other. I said goodbye and separated from my friends, subsequently transitioning into deep thought. I wasn't paying attention to much around me. I considered walking home "me" time, especially after an exhausting day at university. I didn't know what I was going to make for dinner, but I was craving pasta, and I couldn't decide which pasta would be best.
It was too late by the time I heard her. “Smile-chan," Reisa yelled. Even though things around me were happening quickly, it was like her words were in slow motion. I didn't even have time to look up. I had somehow managed to cross the street in the middle of a busy intersection without noticing. I never even saw bus-sama coming. Before I knew it, everything faded to black.
And just like that, there I was in the great beyond. I don't know what I thought the afterlife would be like, but the reality of it was a bit underwhelming. There were definitely a lot more slot machines than I anticipated, and a lot less guides. Each newly arrived soul stood in line awaiting their fate, and I stood in line for what felt like an eternity before meeting my guide .
"Welcome home soul, here you have one of two options: you can choose what is beyond this door. What awaits is either paradise or torture, or you can play the slots and be born again in a new life". The guide informed. Two things were alarming me, how did that door materialize out of thin air, and damn it I hated making choices. "How much time do I have to decide?" I asked. The guide responded, “We will give you 30 minutes.”
"Uh, if I choose the door, how do I know if it will be paradise or torture?" I inquired belatedly. The soul replied, "it will be based on a review of your previous life." “Shit”, I responded. Damn it, why did I have to be so indifferent towards everything? If I choose the door, either outcome could be likely. Although the thought of paradise was alluring, the thought of torture made my soul shake. I guess I was going to have to choose the slots. Although, my soul agonized at having to live all over again I assured myself that this next time I would make a difference. I would guarantee myself paradise. “Slots,” I muttered to the guide, as I slowly drifted towards my newly awaited destiny.
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