June 10th 1317, Mortisday.
I carried a box of ammo in my hand as I carried it to the truck.
Putting it down, I looked around my surroundings.
It was starting to get late and I really wanted to celebrate my birthday.
In my pocket, I had some goods I could give to the supervisor.
Outside, a woman walked across the streets smoking.
That's her!
Clenching my pocket, I ran to her as I left my work.
She noticed me approaching and quickly stopped smoking.
"Is something wrong?" She said.
"Um...supervisor. Today is my birthday so I thought if you could let me leave this afternoon? Don't worry, supervisor, I will comeback tomorrow morning. I will do the most hardest work you can give me! Just please let me leave early! I never missed a day you know and I've always been an kind and hardworking!"
I begged for her to let me leave as I folded my hands together.
She looked stunned and a bit confused.
it seems that she can't decide right now. Good thing I made plan B.
"Oh! And also I brought you some gifts as well!"
From my pocket, I brought out goods.
Bread, sausage and an apples.
"I made the bread by myself by the way."
I actually didn't, I just bought it from a nearby cheap bakery. Same with the sausage.
Only the apples wasn't as I just got from a tree.
"Oh uh...heh, thanks...Lukas." She gladly took it but she still had an slight hesitation.
Still isn't working? Good thing I made plan C as well.
I looked around to see if anyone was nearby.
Before I got something underneath my clothes.
Pulling it was a pack of cigarettes and matches.
"I always see workers trade something for cigarette so I thought you would like it as well." I whispered.
I handed her the pack and matches which she looked deeply.
Oh COME ON. What is it that you want more of!
"You know, Lukas, you really didn't have to do this. You could have just told me. But hey! Thanks for the gifts! You can leave right now and comeback later tomorrow! Just don't make this an habit ok?"
I immediately nodded in agreement.
She slightly moved her hand and indicated to me that I could leave.
Taking my chance, I ran off to the gates.
And the supervisor lit her cigarette from the pack I gave her.
***
Click! Creak!
The wooden door opened as I jumped into my house.
"Lukas! Did your plan work?" Sabine said.
"Worked perfectly, mom. Is there anything I should help you with." I said.
"No, I'm okay right now. Maybe you should invite your friend over?"
"They already are! We just have to wait."
***
[At the factory]
"You kids want a day off as well?" The supervisor said.
"Yes! In exchange, we've brought you some gifts." Tomas said.
Him, Wesley and Amelia pulled out many gifts of their own.
"I've also brought tobacco as well if you want." Wesley said.
Tomas and Amelia looked at him in shock but the supervisor just scoffed.
"Alright, but you kids specifically better come back early in the morning tomorrow alright?"
"Understood!"
***
"What about Gideon? Is he coming?" Sabine said.
"Hmm, I don't know. Maybe I should go see him."
"You mean you're going to his school? Well, you better come back home fast."
"You got it mom!"
***
Gideon listened in the class about a lecture.
Focusing all of his attention on his grade.
Continuously looking up and down between his notebooks and school board.
But in the corner of his eyes, something moved.
Noticing this, he looked out the window to his right.
And saw my behind the fence waving to get his attention.
"Why the fu-"
"Gideon! Pay attention, I do not allow dosing off in my class." The teacher said.
"Ye-YES!" He yelled.
"Good." Before the teacher continued his lecture.
***
RIIIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGGG!
The school bell rang out the yard.
I waited outside for Gideon to finish and come out.
"BOOH!"
I jumped up from the sudden sound and looked behind me.
"Did I scare you? You almost got me in trouble so think of this as my revenge." Gideon said.
I nodded.
"Did you come here to pick me up?"
"I am, today is my birthday you know?
"Yeah, I haven't forgotten." He said.
"So, Gideon. Wanna come by?" I asked.
He smiled in response and said.
"Of course idiot."
***
The sun was almost about to set as me and Gideon walked on the dirt road to my home.
Nearing my home, I couldn't stop thinking about my past.
Not just the years I've spent here but before I died.
All the adventures we had, all of the hardship we've gone through.
Tomas, Wesley, Gideon, Amelia, Laura and Sabine.
All of them we're there for me.
I honestly loved staying here.
But the reason why I got reincarnated here? I honestly don't know.
Maybe it was some kind of error or maybe I was chosen.
Maybe this is a gift or my punishment.
Maybe this is something I wanted for a long time.
Escaping reality but this isn't exactly what I imagined.
But I had my time here.
Opening the door, I was greeted by all of my friends.
Tomas howled.
Wesley just clapped his hands whilst smiling.
Amelia gave me a thumbs up.
Looking at Gideon, he just smiled as he prompted me to go in.
And my mom, Sabine.
Held a small piece of cake.
A plain old vanilla cake with nothing special about it.
With just a candle lit.
I couldn't stop smiling at the scene.
I felt my eyes water a bit but I held it together.
Getting inside, I sat down on the chair as the cake was placed in the table.
"What's your wish?" Sabine said.
"My wish?"
I thought deeply as her question.
To have a bright future.
And blew out the lit candle.
Everyone around me clapped their hands as they congratulated me.
"Happy birthday Lukas!" Everyone yelled in unison.
Tomas reached to a nearby bag and pulled out a piece of clothes.
A shirt before he gave it to me.
"Thanks." I said.
Soon followed by Wesley who gave me money.
"I really didn't know what to give you so I just thought this would be enough."
"Welsey!" Tomas yelled.
"What!?"
"Guys, no need to fight. This is more than enough Wesley. Thank you." I said.
Wesley just smirked.
Gideon pulled out from his school bag a book.
"What's this?" I asked.
"It's um...educational. Helped a lot so I thought it will be the same for you."
"But um...Thank you."
I was trying to say I don't go to school anymore but I guess this is the best he can give me.
Amelia followed with giving me cupcake.
"I knew your cake wasn't going to be much so I made the cupcake myself. Enjoy it yourself."
"Thank you!"
"Everyone, I thank all of you for being here. Even though it would have been nice if there were more people like your parents. This means a lot for us."
"My mom should be coming by now!" Amelia said.
"Oh really? When?" Sabine said.
"Probably soon enough."
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Someone pounded on the door.
"See! I told you my mom was coming."
"I'll go op-"
"No need, Gideon. I can open it myself."
I got off my chair and headed towards the door.
"Welco-"
When I opened the door to greet Amelia's mother, it was totally a complete stranger.
"Uh, who are you sir?" I asked.
"Ah, is Lukas Muller here?" He said.
"I'm Lukas muller." I said slowly.
"Ah, nice to meet you. I congratulate you for serving our great empire."
He soon handed me a letter and left.
"What is it, Lukas?" Tomas said.
I quickly teared the letter open.
And read it.
You are hereby ordered to present yourself for military service.
Name: Lukas Muller
Year of birth: 1300
Residence: Ulfstead
You are to report on June 12th at 2pm to the community hall, bringing this notice and all required personal documents.
Failure to comply with this order will result in punishment under military law.
By the order of the imperium.
...
The world stopped spinning as I finished reading.
Time stopped moving as I dropped the letter.
My visions went blurry and I slowly lost my hearing.
Only a loud ringing sound.
I clenched my hands tight.
Fingernails slowly piercing into my skin.
My breath fastened.
I couldn't think.
I couldn't move.
Tomas quickly seeing this, got up and picked up my letter.
When he finished reading, his face went pale and looked at me.
Wesley and Amelia also followed trying to see what was in the letter.
"What is it. What's in the letter." Sabine said worryingly.
"I...I need to go." Wesley said before he quickly left my house.
I looked at Tomas and Amelia with them also being shocked.
But I just thought of one thing.
This was the worst birthday gift ever.