Intro. chapter 1
This all started on my eighteenth birthday.
We were out as a family, celebrating. Laughing, taking photos, enjoying ourselves. I remember the warm sun, my mom’s smile, and the feeling that, for once, everything was perfect.
Then, it happened.
A girl—probably a teenager—was crossing the street, completely unaware of the speeding car heading right toward her. I didn’t even think. I didn’t hesitate.
I ran.
I pushed her out of the way—
And then, everything went black.
Silence.
Then... light.
A surge of light so bright it blinded me. For a moment, I didn’t even feel my body. It was like I was floating in pure energy.
A voice echoed all around me.
“Mikey… how are you?â€
I blinked, trying to see. “Am I dead? Are you… God? Where am I?â€
The voice replied calmly, gently.
“Relax. Just tell me—how are you feeling?â€
I hesitated. “Umm... I feel kind of light. Not in pain or anything. It’s weird. Where