A heavy suffocating silence seemed to descend. A complete lack of sound.

Even my own breathing wasn’t there. Was I breathing? Was Kim breathing? I felt disoriented. I couldn’t here my sprinting footsteps, the movement of air as I bolted past, the sound of my swallow, the sound of my clothes rustling…

Nothing.

I could feel myself slowly making my way to the door, to safety.

Was my running always this slow?

Then I saw it. How had I not noticed?

Suspended in the sky, silvery drops of rain. They fell, ever so gently, so leisurely, like all my previous fear had been for naught.

I brushed past one, and immediately regretted it. Sharp stabs of pain coursed through my cheek where it had splashed. I inhaled sharply, convulsing.

They were impossible to avoid. Hovering in the air, like beautiful silver gems of death (or at least pain). Despite the pain, it was enchantingly beautiful. So serene, like the tears of an angel, glittering enthrallingly in the early morning light. Casting multicolored shadows on our school, dying it in liquid beauty.

I felt tears of joy come to my eyes as I became soaked in the molten silver. Too see such beauty, such a spectacle, my life felt complete. To die, here and now, in the presence of such an exquisite view would be a blessing.

A thought flashed through the recesses of my mind, burning through all pain I had felt before. What about Kim? Should I die, I would not let her die with me. Remembering my original purpose, I pumped my legs faster and faster, renewed vigor shot me across the concrete. I ignored the biting flashed of pain as I collided with each drop, becoming soaked through. This pain was petty, compared to the life I held in my hands, wrapped up in a blanket. I rounded the corner, and yanked the door open, throwing Kim and me inside.

I vaguely realized that my classmates were crowding around me, yelling. My sister, with tears dripping down her eyes. They were all shivering. Had they finally realized the danger they were in? Hmph, you guys should be thanking me. Huh, don’t look at me like that. I’m not gonna die. I obviously have better instincts, to notice before you guys. Doesn’t that make me better? Avery, you are pathetic, to be saved by your little sister. Shouldn’t it be the other way around?

Ahh… I’m not saying anything am I? Please, don’t cry, I don’t want to see you guys cry, not you, my precious friends. You know, I would give my life for any one of you. So now, at least, I know despite my laziness, despite my sharp, critical words, despite my sup-par looks, despite my arrogance, that I was useful. Surely, this is the best way to live any life, to die for your friends.

I felt something tug at my consciousness, and my vision began to blur. My fingers uncurled. My eyelids shut.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

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In a vast space, with no definite boundaries, I awoke.

There was a sense of realization, as I suddenly understood everything. A strange feeling, that I had knew all along, no, that was wrong. I knew all along.

“Then this,” I angrily clenched my hands, “was all my fault? Earth?”

“It was for you, as well as myself,” Said Earth, “Something had to change. Don’t tor-“

“I know, don’t torment myself. Was there no other way?” I sighed, plopping myself in some imaginary chair.

“You should no better than I,” Earth replied, “and a friendly reminder, you should go back soon. They’ll think you’re dead if you don’t.” He chuckled, “Imagine the headlines~ ‘DEAD GIRL REVIVES?’ ‘FEMALE JESUS?’ THE FIRST ZOMBIE?’”

“Ehh~ There’s no way. I’ll get there on time anyways.” My chair turned into a recliner. Should I make a blanket too?

“Don’t tell me you haven’t thought of it? Freaking out your friends, just a bit? And then be all like, ‘Haha! Just kidding~!’”

“You’re surprisingly devious Earth. Are you sure you’re suited to be an ‘Earth’ in the first place? Or maybe I should start calling you Hell?” I materialized a freshly baked peanut-butter chia seed cookie and popped it into my mouth. Hmm… Needs a little less sugar.

“How rude, I’ve done a great job up until now!” Earth huffed.

“…” I continued to eat an assortment of different cookies. I won’t get fat now anyways.

“I did a good job, right? Haven’t I?” Earth seemed worried.

“…Are you doubting yourself?” I snickered, downing the last cookie with a glass of goat milk.

“Well, I’m not as powerful as you are after all. How can I be sure of anything!” Earth seemed hurt. I heard him (Earth is gender neutral) kicking an imaginary stone across the empty space.

Is he sulking? How cute. He’s still young after all. I walked over to him and gave him a little hug, “I’m sorry, perhaps I’ve teased you too much.” I ruffled his hair and smiled.

“Haaah!? I-i-it’s not like I needed your apology or anything! I’m fine on my own!” His presence vanished from the space.

Ehh? Tsundere? Are you serious? Was he blushing? Ahh… I forgot what I looked like right now.

Starlight hair, captivating eyes, and most importantly, an acne-less face.

I wonder if I could get girl to blush? I got gender-neutral, so I think I’m halfway there.

“Better remember to change back.” My hair shortened, and became darker. It frizzled up, and curled. My eyes changed back to their normal, light brown color. And my acne—nah… let’s not put that back. I’ll blame it on the rain.

And If I’ve timed it right… when I get back it should be the moment…