When you were a child, you made a promise. One day, you would rise to the top, and everyone would know your name. Those who belittled you, mocked you, stood in your way… they would all regret it. You risked everything for this. Sleepless nights, cities left behind… But you didn’t care. You knew that once you reached the top, it would all be worth it.

And now, just as you finally arrived at your goal, a single moment of miscalculation took everything away.

You tried to cross before the traffic light turned red. Blinding headlights, a deafening crash, the feeling of your body being thrown into the air… Then, darkness.

When you open your eyes, the world feels… different. The sounds are muffled, the lights are dim. You stand up and see a body lying on the pavement. Your body. People are gathered around, shouting, panicking—but you can’t hear them anymore.

The air turns cold. Time slows. A figure in a dark cloak appears before you.

Death.

He tilts his head slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"While searching for where you belong, in how many places that you don't belong did you fade away?"

You can’t look at him. Your eyes are still fixed on the lifeless version of yourself lying on the ground. This has to be a dream. Right?

"This isn’t how it’s supposed to end," you whisper, your voice trembling. "I had so much left to do."

Death tilts his head. "Strange how every human thinks that."

"I didn’t live for nothing." You look directly at him. “I fought for this. I gave everything. I achieved something!”

“And what exactly did you achieve?” His voice echoes calmly.

You open your mouth, but the words get stuck in your throat. What did you achieve? Money? Power? How much of yourself did you leave behind with every step you took higher?

Death takes a step forward. A crushing weight presses down on you, making your knees weak.

"Tell me," he says, his voice almost gentle. "As you climbed higher and higher, what part of yourself was left behind?"

You can’t breathe. But then again, you no longer need to.