We arrived at Uuk’s home, and he lay down instantly. Now that I look at him, he sleeps too much; so much that he sometimes spends days without waking up. He’s a slacker! I’d love to have a life like that. I envy him, honestly.

  I followed his lead and fell asleep too; it was already late, and I felt too lazy to go to my house at this hour. I settled into a bed of leaves I made there. That night, I had a very strange dream. I was in a black and desolate void; I couldn't move my body, and I felt the cold metal of chains running across my skin. I wanted to scream, but I had no mouth. In the distance, two red eyes stared at me fixedly. Suddenly, a voice whispered: "Go see your parents, and do not trust."

  Everything vanished, and I woke up with a start. My skin felt like it was burning like lava, my fur was damp from sweat, and my heart was racing at a thousand miles per hour. I vomited. I pulled myself up as best as I could and looked around; it was morning. Uuk wasn’t lying there. Where could he have gone? I’m scared. What was that dream? What does it mean? My head ached from the confusion. Can I not trust anyone? What about my parents?

  I must relax. I took a deep breath in and then let it out; I repeated this several times until everything calmed down. Should I pay attention to this? Maybe it’s just a silly dream? But I woke up vomiting; that isn't normal. I must go to my parents; they worry if I’m not there.

  I went running over there, each step feeling heavier than the last. I imagined the worst. Did the dogs eat them? Is something happening to them? I couldn't handle the anxiety. Upon arriving, I climbed the tree quickly; they were calm, sitting and eating. I collapsed to the ground in relief.

  —Don't scare me like that! —I struck the ground. But... the voice said not to trust. What was happening? My mother approached and gave me a hug. At first, I felt relief, but suddenly, reality hit me: Livas don't communicate like this. To show affection, we press our foreheads together. I leapt away from her and stood on guard.

  There were no words, only violence. They immediately lunged into the attack; the thing that looked like my mother charged head-on while the other flanked me with inhuman speed. As best as I could, I dodged the first claw swipes, but I watched in horror as my father's hand deformed, growing to a grotesque size. In a blink, that massive fist impacted directly on my jaw.

  The world went dark. I was knocked out instantly.

  —F... R... I... D... O... Are you there...? —I perceived a slight, almost imperceptible whisper.

  —What happened? —I asked, submerged in total confusion.

  —You’re home, baby. I’m your mo...

  The voice felt all too familiar. I began to blink slowly, trying to grasp my reality. Everything looked hazy, and the world was spinning; when I came to, the only thing I saw was a lit lightbulb.

  —Wake up, sweetheart, you have to go to class.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  Now I remember! It’s the voice of my human mother! But why? Why do I hear her? Is this a memory? I sat up on what seemed to be a mattress; I was dazed and somewhat clumsy. I moved my arm and it felt... different. I observed carefully and couldn't believe it: it was a human hand, but small, like that of a boy entering puberty.

  —Get up quickly or I’m coming to get you in bed —my mom's voice resonated again.

  —I’m coming right now, don't worry —I replied without thinking, almost automatically.

  I stood up, left the room, and went downstairs. Everything was exactly as I remembered it; even the alien sticker I stuck on the doorframe was in its place. This was the house of my childhood.

  I stopped before reaching the kitchen; a slight trembling in my leg made itself present. I wasn't prepared to see her again, not after her horrific death. The smell of fresh pancakes invaded my nose; I controlled the trembling and entered. There she was, as radiant as ever. Making the best breakfast in the world.

  I couldn't help the lump in my throat.

  —I’m here, Mom —my voice wavered a bit.

  —Why are you crying, heavens? —she asked, as sweet as always. Without knowing it, my eyes were full of tears. She approached.

  —Come, hug your mother. Whatever is happening to you will end.

  I couldn't hold back the urge; I ran into her arms and squeezed tightly.

  —I love you, Mom —I put my face in her apron and let all my crying out—. Everything has been so hard lately, I miss you. Why did you have to leave?

  —But I haven't left, I’m right here with you. Wipe those tears and get ready for school —she said that while stroking my head—. You’re still my crybaby.

  —I’m sorry, Mom, truly, I didn't want to do it —I said, sobbing.

  —What are you talking about? Have you gone a little crazy? You’re a little maniac. Come on, eat, and never forget that I love you to the tenth power.

  I sat down, and she immediately put the plate of food on the table. I took a bite and ate it. It tasted delicious; I couldn't stop until I finished.

  —I’m going to go get ready —I think I’m forgetting something, it doesn't matter. I ran to my room, and in a heartbeat, I was ready for a new adventure at school.

  I got in the car and we left; upon arriving, she said goodbye to me and went to her work. She always worked hard; it was just her and me. No one else, there was never anyone else.

  I approached the school grounds; as I went through the hallways, I felt the whispers of the others.

  —Look, he’s the one who killed his father.

  —Is it true he’s a murderer?

  —He has a traumatized face.

  —Maybe he’s stupid.

  —I heard he killed a dog a long time ago.

  In the middle of so much background noise, I heard the voice of my second favorite person: Mika, the prettiest girl in the universe.

  —Hi, Mika —I spoke to the one who would be my future wife.

  —Hi, Frido. How are you? —she asked with kindness.

  —Same as always; people talk a lot about me, but I’m fine because you’re here.

  The background noise grew louder.

  —Come on, Frido —she grabbed my hand and pulled me out of there. Once outside, she started giving me a lecture—. You have to stand up for yourself; I need my future husband to be trustworthy —she realized her words and turned red like a tomato.

  —I promise I’ll be the best husband for you —I looked at her with a smile and a thumbs up. Suddenly, the image in front of me changed. It was night and raining heavily; I saw that damn car overturned on the side of the road. I ran quickly and checked inside. She was there with her beautiful smile.

  —Go, Frido, run! This is going to explode.

  —Do you not love me anymore, Mom? —I asked, my hands covered in blood from leaning on the glass shards on the ground.

  —I would never say that, son. I love you with all my being. My time is over now, but you can continue. Please flee; don't forget I love you to the tenth power —she replied, smiling with a love that melts the heart.

  Then, the engine exploded, and I went flying far away. I lost consciousness. I returned to my reality