Second Life: A Guide Through The Apocalypse.

Amnesia Trip

Riiiiiiiiiiiiing! 07:00AM

The sound of his traditional analog clock alarm woke him up. His head pounding. He couldn't feel his arms and feet until he looked at them and realized they were still there. He tried to get up from the discomfort of his body but his head still throbbed with pain. He stopped the sound of the alarm and the discomfort stopped as well, as if his entire nervous system was connected to the analog clock.

He looked around trying to recall the events that took place the previous day or even the previous night, all to no avail. He made his way from his room to the kitchen to get a cup of water from the fridge, but as he was walking, somethings felt quite odd. The settings in his house was what it looked like two years ago. He had a strange feeling of déjà vu. He got the cup of water and made his way back to his room. Everything still felt quite odd, like he had done all these before.

As he got into his room he saw a picture on his reading table and went closer to take a look at it. "Rebecca?..." he gasped beneath his breath. His head began to pound again. He looked around, his hands on his head, trying to figure out what was going on.

"Why do I still have her picture with me?" he whispered to himself. "I got rid of everything, I made sure I... I'm over it already, I listened to..." he kept on muttering to himself until he saw a note on the table. He opened it and read...

"Dennis love, I did not mean to leave you while you were asleep. I got an emergency call from my sister so I had to leave. I did not want to ruin your sleep after the wonderful time we had together last night.

I'll be back before you know it.

Rebecca"

"NOOOOOOOO!" he screamed. "This can't be, it is not... She can't be...."

Shocked, Dennis picked up his phone to check the date. 12-June-2053.

He fell back on his bed, confused. He closed his eyes and had a flash through his memory. He suddenly sat up straight and said in a low voice, “I'm dead. I died. I couldn't save them. I failed them”. He tried to recall what had actually happened to him, but he couldn't.

He jerked from the bed and checked his phone again. “2053!“ he exclaimed. “I've got to be dreaming or something. What on earth is happening to me” he said, pacing round the room.

He paused all of a sudden, as if he remembered something. He ran close to the table and checked his phone the third time. “No” he said “It's today, she dies today. What do I do? I've got to do something!”

He rushed to the bathroom and took a quick shower. He dried up and took a pair of jeans and sniffed it “It's okay, I guess” he said. He took a t-shirt from the closet and made his way outside.

As he made his way to the door, he suddenly remembers that this was the house he and Rebecca lived before she died. Everything still seemed odd to Dennis.

Dennis made his way out the front door and was greeted by Mrs Johnson – the old neighbor. “Good Morning David” Mrs Johnson waved at him. “It's Dennis, not David” he replied, still staring at her, wondering what was happening to him. “How many times does the kid have to tell you that Theresa?" a voice yelled from inside the neighbor's house. It was Papa Johnson. “It was sure a wonderful night for you and who ever you had with you all night” Mrs Johnson said, smiling at him. “I was with Rebecca Mrs Johnson” he replied calmly, irritated. “Were we that loud?” he thought, smiling.

As he made his way to the garage, he remembered that she took the car with her.

Dennis checked his watch, "08:10. Oh no! I've got to be quick, I received the call the call in an hour”

Dennis walked down the street, trying to remember what happened before all these. Trying to remember what happened before he died. Trying to figure out how he woke up two years back. Different thoughts going through his mind. Suddenly, he was thinking of Rebecca. Then he remembered the accident she was involved in that caused her death. The memory of Rebecca's death made his heart heavy.

He continued down the street trying to recall where she had been that day. As Dennis closed his eyes, flashes of his past ran through his memory, he remembers the hospital she was before the accident and why she was there. He looked ahead and sighted a taxi coming at a distance and waved at the taxi. The taxi drove forward, turned and parked in front of him. He got in and said to the driver “Delia's Maternity Hospital”. The driver nodded and zoomed off.

Still trying to figure things out, Dennis closed his eyes and relaxed his head, but nothing came through. He tried again, thinking harder, trying to force things out of his head. Still nothing.

Then his phone rang. It's was Frank, his colleague at work. He picked, “Hey Frank!”

“Hey Den! Hope you had fun yesterday? That was a hell of a party!”

“Party? What party?” asked Dennis.

“What other party Denny? John's party of course.” Frank replied.

“Look Frank, I need to tell you something” Dennis started, “I don't know what exactly is happening to me right now, I need to talk to you”

“What's going on man? Talk to me.”

“I can't talk over the phone. I don't think I'll be coming over to the lab today too. Can you come over to my place later this afternoon?”

“Sure man, I will. Stay safe man, I'll be in touch”

“All right, thanks” Dennis dropped the call.

“We're here!” the driver parked.

“Thank you sir, here's your fare” he gave the driver his money.

“I wish your wife a safe delivery.” the driver called out as Dennis stepped out of the car.

“Oh, it's not my wife, it's my girlfriend's sister.” Dennis replied.

“Safe delivery to her then.” he drove off.

Dennis got into the hospital, he saw Rebecca – a tall, fair woman with long legs and long, curly blond hair. A beautiful woman with a perfect body shape.

She turned her head and smiled when she saw him. His heart was warm and beating faster like he was seeing her for the first time. He missed her smile.

He rushed to grab her hands and gave her a tight hug, not wanting to let go of her. He held her straight, looked into her blue eyes and kissed her.

“Uhm, Dennis, what's going on? Why are you acting weird? We are at a hospital Dennis, people are looking at us.” she freed herself from his arms.

“You can't imagine how much I've missed you.” he told her.

“So I'm gone for just an hour and you're already missing me. Isn't that romantic?” she smiled.

“No Rebecca, you don't understand. Something is happening to me. I don't know what is going on.”

“Urgh Dennis, what's wrong with you now. How did you even know I was here? I did not say that in the note.”

“Exactly, I...”

“Oooh, guess what!” she interrupted.

“Sarah has given birth to Tim” he replied.

“Oook that's weird. No one knows that apart from her, Jerry and I. And they haven't even given him a name.” she was confused.

“Look Rebecca, we need to talk. I know this is not the right time for this and all these may seem weird but what is actually crazier is that” he paused for a moment. “I think I died and woke up two years back.” he continued.

“Come on Dennis, what sort of joke are you planning now, huh?” she laughed

“No Rebecca, this is no joke. I'm damn serious. I don't under...”

“Why don't you come in and say hello to my sister and her baby. Jerry would be so happy you're here.” she interrupted. “Oh, my phone is ringing, let me see who... ”

“It's a call from work” Dennis interrupted. “Don't pick it, they're calling because of an urgent meeting at the office.”

“It's Jane... from work” she looked at him awkwardly and picked the call. “Hey Jane! Okay I'll be there soon.” she hung up. “How could you possibly know that Dennis?”

“Rebecca, I know it's sounds funny and hard to believe but you shouldn't go for that meeting. If you go, it will lead to your death.”

"What do you mean Dennis?” she asked

“You've got to listen to me Rebecca. I don't want to lose you again.” he begged.

“Hey Dennis! Dennis, calm down. I won't go for the meeting, okay. Let's just go in to say hello to Sarah and her baby. We'll talk about this later.” she escorted him to their room.

“Why don't you go in. I'll let Jane know I won't be able to make it to the meeting.” Rebecca told Dennis.

“Alright, be quick about it then.” he replied as he entered.

Sarah was lying on the bed with the baby cuddled in her arms. Jerry, her husband, was resting on the couch when he saw Dennis walk in.

“Hey Den!” Jerry yelled excitedly as he jumped from the couch. “Come to see little Tim?”

“Hi Den” Sarah called out with a weak voice. “Rebecca did not tell us she called you already. Come and take a closer look at him. Isn't he cute?”

“He is” Dennis said, smiling. “We must make sure he doesn't ruin his 1 year birthday party” Dennis added. They all laughed.

“Hey guys” Dennis started, “Uhm, I need to be on my way now. I've got a lot of things to catch up with. Uhm, Rebecca and I would be back, I promise”.

“Alright man, I've got this. No problems at all” Jerry said. “You just do your thing, I'll take care of Little Tim and Sarah” Jerry added, pecking Sarah lightly on her forehead.

“See you later then and Congratulations to both of you. Especially to you Sarah” he said as he made his way out of the room, waving Sarah and Jerry goodbye.

He got out and stood for a moment, looking for Rebecca.

“Hey!” Rebecca hugged him behind. “You going already?”

“Yeah, we've got to go now. I need to explain everything to you. Frank would be on h....”

“No Dennis” she interrupted, “I can't just leave my sister alone because you want to tell me some story. She just gave birth Dennis, I have to be with her”

“I explained to them Rebecca, they are okay with it. We could even go visit them tomorrow. It's not just 'some story' Rebecca, it's happening! I know it” Dennis told her.

“Know what?” Rebecca asked.

“We need to get home, I'll explain everything better” he begged.

“Okay, okay, fine! But I'll see my sister and my nephew first” she said.

“Okay, I'll be waiting by the car, please hurry” he told her as she left.

As Dennis made his way to the car, his phone rang.

“Hey Frank” he picked the call.

“Dennis man, how you feeling man?” Frank asked.

“I'm fine Frank. Look, I'm not sick, I'm totally fine. There's just a problem I'm dealing with right now that's driving me crazy” Dennis replied.

“Oh, you sure sounded sick this morning” Frank told him. “Anyway, I'm on my way to your house. You home?”

“Ok, great! I'll be home soon” he dropped the call.

“Ready?” Rebecca asked as she approached the car.

“I'll drive” Dennis said. She threw the key over to him with a funny expression.

The car was silent as Dennis drove home.

“At least turn on the music Dennis” Rebecca said, tired of his– or their awkward silence.

Rebecca got down from the car as Dennis parked outside the garage. Without waiting for him she made her way inside and sat in the living room, waiting for Dennis to come in.

“Alright Dennis, start talking before I lose it. You made me miss an urgent meeting, you dragged me away from the hospital, from my sister that just gave birth . Oh, this better be good Dennis” she attacked.

“OK, uhm, where do I start from...” Dennis started.

“So you made me miss an urgent meeting in the office and you don't know where to start from?” she interrupted.

“Look Rebecca, I need you to calm down, calm down let me take my time to remember things and explain”he said.

Before he could say another word, the doorbell rang.

“Who is that?” Rebecca asked.

“That should be Frank. I called him here too”. Dennis made his way to open the door.

“Denny” Frank hailed in a solemn voice as he entered. “What's the problem Den? Do you need money? Do you need a hug? You know you can talk to me alright. We are best buddies, yeah. Talk to me man”

“No. No Frank. Hugs? What am I? A 3 year old? Come on Frank, that's... that's not what's up right now. Look, I just need you to sit down and let me try to explain everything I know and anything I can remember to both of you” he replied.

“I'm starving!” Frank cried.

“Why don't we go to the dining. I'll get something for us to eat.” Rebecca called out from the kitchen.

“Hey Becca, how are you doing?” Frank said as he went to hug Rebecca.

“I don't know what is going on with Dennis, he's been acting weird since morning. He even said I was going to die” Rebecca told Frank.

“Die? Okay man, what the hell?” Frank said in a furious tone.

“Enough with the reunion and accusation” Dennis yelled, gesturing at Rebecca. “Just listen to why I called you guys here.” They made their way to the dining room. They all sat down and Rebecca served.

“Okay,“ he started “I woke up this morning and I figured out that we're in 2053, which is two years back from the current year”.

“Wha...” Frank tried to talk.

“Wait... yes, yes, I know, I know. Before you say anything, or ask any questions, I want you guys to know that you can't ask questions or say anything until I'm done explaining everything” Dennis interrupted Frank.

“Now” he continued, “All I can remember now is that there was a war against something, I can't remember if they were aliens or animals, but they were definitely not human beings. The last thing I can remember is... I died... In the battle”

The room was silent until Rebecca broke the silence with a loud laughter. Frank had his mouth wide open, looking at Dennis as if he had ran mad.

“Look Dennis, you probably had a nightmare, it could...” Rebecca tried to say,

“This was no nightmare Rebecca. It is real. I actually died and came back in time” Dennis said in a calm voice.

“Okay, let's get this straight,” Frank finally said, “You were previously living in 2055, right? During a period of war, right?

“Yes, yes, yes” Dennis replied.

“And then you died and woke up two years back?” Frank added.

“Exactly, exactly Frank. You totally get it!” Dennis exclaimed.

“Okay I've got one question though Dennis. Am I married in 2055?” Frank joked.

“Come on Frank. This is no joke. I'm damn serious man” Dennis bolted.

“Chill man, chill. It's just a joke. I thought we all were joking here though.” Frank joked again.

“I can't believe you guys think I'm joking. Why would I make this s**t up. I'm serious about what I'm saying. This is no time to joke. Rebecca would've been dead by now if she had gone for that meeting she was called for this morning. She would've died! I would've lost her again.” Dennis almost cried.

“Oh, it's real. Dennis... are you crying Dennis?” Frank asked.

“Hey, hey babe. It's alright. I did not go okay, I'm here” Rebecca tried to console him.

“No. No it's not. Nothing is alright” Dennis said.”And I'm not crying. You guys just.... you need to believe me. The memories keeps on coming back gradually.” he added.

“We've spent the whole day arguing and hearing tales...” Frank was saying, “tales that are true.” he continued, looking at Dennis with his eyes widely opened. “Dennis, look, I'm your friend and we believe you. But why don't you rest. Have a deep sleep this night and let's see if this whole thing is still happening. It might be a nightmare or it could actually be reality. We can't confirm that now. Who else have you told about this?” Frank asked.

“Just you guys.” Dennis replied.

“Okay, great! It's late already. I'll have to be on my now. Dennis, make sure you have a good rest.” Frank said.

“Oh, I'll make sure he does have a good rest.” Rebecca smiled

“Alright Frank. Thanks man, I appreciate. I'll be sure to rest. But I know it's real. I know... I know I died in that war. Be on time tomorrow.”Dennis told him.

“Sure, I will man. Goodnight Becca.” Frank hugged her.

“Night night Frank” she said. As they escorted him to his car. Frank got into his car and drove off. Dennis and Rebecca went inside. Dennis went to the bedroom. While Rebecca was cleaning up in the kitchen.

When she was done, she went up to the room to meet Dennis.

“Hey babe” she said as she got in, “I believe you. I totally believe you, okay? And thank you for saving me today. Tell me though, how was life without me?” she joked.

“I don't have to think about that now. You're here with me.” he smiled at her and kissed her.

“Why don't you rest now okay. Tomorrow is another day, we shall talk more tomorrow.” Rebecca said to Dennis.

“Goodnight love” Dennis turned to sleep.

“Goodnight” Rebecca kissed him on his cheek and laid down to sleep.