A cyan-blue car speeds through the city streets, filled with laughter and excitement.
Inside, a few friends cheer in unison:
(Everyone)
"Happy birthday to you… happy birthday to you… happy birthday dear Jac—"
Before they can finish the chant, a truck appears from the side at full speed.
It slams into their car, crushing the left side completely.
The vehicle spins across the road and smashes into a tree.
Everything goes black.
Vision fades.
Breaths become shallow.
(His thoughts)
My chest… it feels like I'm drowning. I can't breathe properly. (panting heavily)
What just happened? We were laughing just a moment ago— we… where are the others? Where's Daniel? Jackie?
With the last bit of strength, he opens one eye and turns his head to the right.
He sees Daniel Hudson, once wearing a blue hoodie — now soaked in red.
To his left, Aussie Smith is hanging lifelessly against a tree, her back snapped in half.
Inside the wrecked car, he spots Hubert Kent — the driver.
His head is crushed beyond recognition, struck by both impacts.
The sight is unbearable. He tries to crawl toward them, screaming from within, but his legs won't move.
A chilling numbness crawls up his spine — his legs are crushed.
He screams in agony. Tears pour down like molten lava, burning him from within.
With shattered arms, he drags himself toward the mangled car.
His heart beats weakly. His lungs are punctured; every breath feels like drowning.
He tries to pull himself closer, but his vision dims.
(Him, weakly muttering)
"You… you asshole… (breathing heavily)… you have to… try and do—"
His thoughts fade into static.
The world becomes muffled — like listening through snow.
Air feels thicker, but a faint straw of oxygen reaches him.
(Voices outside)
"CHECK ON HIM! CHECK IF HE'S—"
"HE IS STILL ALIVE!"
"Sir, just keep breathing slowly. Everything's going to be alright! Breathe in!"
"MOVE! MOVE! OUT— OUT!"
(Him)
Looks like they saved my friends... I can finally rest a little...
Darkness swallows him.
---
A muffled noise returns — buffering in his ears.
He just wants to sleep, but someone won't let him.
He opens his teary eyes, his head pounding with pain. Slowly, focus returns.
Two people are crying beside him.
(His thoughts)
What's happening? Why are these strangers crying over me?
Am I dead? I don't know… but at least someone's here.
Hey lady, maybe don't get that close to a stranger.
He yawns and tries to stretch, confused.
As he sits up—
(Squeals)
The couple gasp, staring at him in disbelief.
Their tears freeze — then turn to joy.
(Couple)
"He's alive!"
They start kissing his cheeks, hugging him tightly.
But he recoils instantly, pushing them away.
(Him)
"I'm thankful you saved me… but I don't need this much affection."
He feels weak. Their skin feels tougher.
He glances at his own hands — they're tiny.
The camera zooms out.
He's a baby, being cradled by the same woman he just called a stranger.