Darkness. There was nothing but darkness around me. For some reason, my body was still warm.

What's going to happen to me from now on? Why is my body warm when I'm dead? Did I really die just like that? Those boys, I hope they get caught.

Questions and thoughts continued to pile into my mind, but they were disturbed by a sudden burst of light. I tried to close my eyes. Wait... eyes?

"It's ~ bo~!"

Huh? What's that noise? I hear voices of joy around me and slowly open my eyes to see what was going on. Am I in Heaven?

I look around to find myself in a wooden room. I am wrapped in some kind of blanket and held in someone's arms. I look up to see a woman with brown hair and red eyes looking at my face. She smiles and gives my forehead a kiss.

"Hello… Martis… my lovely son..." Called a soft voice.

Martis? Who's that? I open my mouth to say something.

"GWAHHHHH."

What? It wasn't words that left my mouth, but random sounds.

"GWAH GWAH GWAH."

The woman starts laughing, and so does the man next to her, who I'm guessing is her husband.

"Thank you so much, doctor. If it weren't for you, I don't know if I could have made it through this."

"You are very welcome, but it's strange..." The doctor said, confused.

"Hm? What is?" Edith replied, giving him a confused look.

"Martis isn't crying like most babies do. He seems rather calm."

"You may be right. I guess that may mean he'll grow up to be a smart boy then!"

"Ha ha, if you say so. I'll be taking my leave now, miss."

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"Yes, thank you! Have a safe return home."

The man looks at me and smiles kindly.

"Goodbye, Martis. Now you be a good boy to your mother."

"BWAHHH!"

I still failed to speak.

The doctor left the room, and it was quiet. I looked back at the woman as she continued holding me. The room we were in seemed a bit shabby, and the clothes the woman was wearing were ragged. I could tell at first glance that this woman may not have much money. I tried to move, but I couldn't.

"Oh, Martis, are you hungry?"

I look at her.

"Okay, guess it's time to feed you."

The woman was reaches for the upper part of her shabby dress and attempts to pull it down, almost revealing her breasts. Alerted, I close my eyes and look away.

"Huh, guess you're not hungry just yet then."

The woman stays resting in the bed with me in her arms. The room was peaceful, and the quiet atmosphere made me sleepy. I slowly close my eyes.

________________________________________________________________________

It's been 5 years since I reincarnated into this world, and here's what I've learned. My name here is Martis, and I have a single mother named Edith. Our family is poor, so we are known as peasants. My nameless father abandoned my mother to go find another woman, and now my mother and I live in a cottage secluded from other villages. Whenever Edith went shopping, she would be gone for almost 4 days, I was always curious to see what lied ahead during the journey. Now all my wonders would be answered today.

I wake up early with excitement bubbling inside me. Today was the day I would visit the town with Edith, to buy groceries and explore the new sights and sounds. As we prepared to leave, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of music I might encounter in this world.

"Are you ready, Martis?"

"Yes, Mom! I'm coming!"

I step outside to find Edith already waiting with the wagon and Aldo, our old horse, harnessed and ready to go. I climb into the wagon, and Edith took her place beside me.

As Aldo set off at a gentle pace, I couldn't contain his curiosity any longer.

"Mom, what kind of music do they have there?

Edith grinned.

"Why? Are you looking forward to the music they make?

I nod.

"Well, it's something you'll have to find out for yourself when we get there."

Feeling a mix of anticipation and trepidation, I gaze at the passing landscapes—the vast fields, the lush forests, and the distant mountains. As we journeyed on, we encountered a few villages and met friendly faces along the way.

"Hey mom, how far is the town from our home?"

"It should take us about a day and a half to get there. But don't worry, we'll make the best of the journey."

As we traveled, Edith shared stories about her own childhood and the adventures she had when visiting the town with her family. I listen intently, cherishing these tales that painted a vivid picture of Edith's past.

At nightfall, they camped near a stream. Edith expertly set up a small campfire, and they enjoyed a simple meal together before settling in for the night. I gaze at the starry sky, feeling a sense of wonder about this new world and the memories of my past life that still lingered.

The next morning, we continue the journey, and finally, a pair of big wooden gates came into view.

We finally made it to town.