Second chance

There was a crib, a small one.

It was constructed from thin wood, a type that was alien and red.

“Is this paint?" Than wondered, running the end of his index finger along its edge.

Regardless of its origin, the fact that it was a crib answered more than a few questions for him.

Than had been reincarnated, or at least he believed that much to be true. After all, what else would explain his sudden habitation of a new body? And a younger one at that.

The question that took center stage now was, why? Why was he here? In this new form?

“Was I in some type of accident?” He scratched his chin for a moment. “ … Or did someone kill me?”

It was a point of contention, one that didn’t matter anymore, but which still pestered his subconscious anyway.

Nevertheless, he took note of a couple of interesting items that were scattered about. 

There was a bed, a large bucket that was filled with what appeared to be fish heads, and even a sizable ax that hung from one of the room’s leathered walls.

In spite of that, it was not the dead animals, nor even the eccentric trinket, but rather the tiny window that lay in front of his cradle which truly caught his attention.

On the other side of its pane, he could see water; not in droplets or ponds, but in the form of giant sea waves, which ripped from side to side, like anacondas wrapping around their prey; encapsulating its entire circumference without letting go.

It was a sea storm in full force, and Than was watching it from the comfort of his cot.

“What is this place?” He wondered.

 At that moment, the room's only door swung open and a silhouette, not much taller than the doorknob itself, stepped inside.

Noticing this, Than's heart skipped a beat; not out of love, but fear.

'They' carefully approached Than, carrying what appeared to be a bottle of milk.

Without warning, Than was swiftly lifted from his post. He braced himself, for he had gone through this process many times before and knew exactly what to expect.

Unaware of the panic that they were causing, the mystery person continued, with Than in their arms, and sat on top of the aforementioned bed.

With that, Than turned up to stare into the face of a young boy.

He appeared to be about ten years old and had long, curly hair that was a dark shade of maroon. His hands were strong, and he wore clothing that would be more appropriate at a wedding.

However, what stood out to Than the most about this boy, was his smile.

It was the smile of a guardian, a caregiver; someone who was already attached to Than, or at least to his infant form.

“Ew ... Who are you? I don’t like clingy people.” Than squinted his eyes.

Regardless of that, he had to wonder. “Why am I being fed formula at such a young age?”