The star

A long time ago, before time existed and the sun ever rose, I existed.

I don’t know what I was — all I could see was darkness.

But one day, in my boring existence, a light appeared.

It was a star.

Then many more.

And I realized what I was: a star.

I saw thousands of stars and planets come and go, but not me.

I was waiting for that day.

Why go on living in a world where nothing will remain?

I was the first star, and the last to fade.

I didn’t know if the other stars were alive, but I didn’t care.

All I wanted was for this eternal life to end.

I wasn’t happy. I don’t think I ever was.

While I was there, I gave myself a name.

But I forgot it quickly.

I think it was Lino. I’m not sure… but did it even matter?

The day my light started to fade and all I wanted was to die,

I woke up in a colorful world.

I was small. I was on Terra. More precisely, 1276-Terra.

I knew it had long since gone extinct, but I didn’t know what I was.

And then I realized: I was a human!

I couldn’t talk or move, but around me, I felt an unknown emotion.

It was joy.

After a year, I could walk slowly and say a few words.

A good start.

As I grew, I forgot what I once knew and the life I had before.

But none of that mattered.

As I write this message, I’m 3 years old.

If you’ve found this, congratulations — you’ve discovered my secret.

This paper will be hidden far away from the world.