Arriving home

It took an additional three days of check ups, tests and physicals before you were finally given the all clear. There was a light scar that ran across your head, but nothing egregious. Your new hairline was preserved rather well, and if only the scar gave you a rugged look. Physically, your new body was in top shape, but it was plain from your near-constant hangdog expression that you were emotionally devastated. It was a horrible thing, to grieve one’s own life, and even worse when you so utterly alone.

In between all the tests you were given a crash course in George Hanson’s life. The file that Dr Kerry provided listed a whole lot of generic medical details, but also gave you some hints at his personal life. George was the middle of three siblings, both of which lived abroad. His parents were retired and living comfortably in the Keyes, the photos showing a handsome looking couple seemingly younger than their years. It brought a tiny bit of relief, knowing that you probably wouldn’t have to interact with them for a while.

The real revelations came when you dug through George’s personal belongings, particularly his phone. There were group chats that revealed George was involved in two different sports groups, one of guys playing basketball on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and another of guys playing soccer on the weekends. You weren’t big on either, but you supposed you could figure something out.

There was also a group chat with a list of names that you recognised. Most of the younger teachers at your school seemed to get along well, and when you looked at the photos of them in casual clothes, read the bantering messages back and forth, you felt a weird sense of affection. It was strange, but the teachers seemed so much more human when they weren’t on your ass as a student.

On the third day the two doctors gave you one last little pep talk, as well as the compensation money they'd promised, in the form of a check. With Dr. Kerry's assurance as he passed it to you that it should help you "get back on your feet." Giving you a reassuring pat on your shoulder then, and having to reach up as he did. Towering over him at Mr. Hanson's full 6' 3" height, you realised that you might well be looking down at most people now.

One uber drive later, you found yourself at Hanson’s apartment. It was right in the centre of town and you noted with some pleasure that it was close by to your favourite arcade and cinema. It wasn’t enough to entirely lift your mood, but you reminded yourself that it was best to focus on the little victories. _This is where I live now, _you told yourself over and over, trying to drum up excitement about what exactly you were going to find inside. Having always fantasized about having your own place, this was a huge step forward.

You retrieved your keys, jiggled them in the door, took a breath, then opened.

Oh shit, not bad at all!

In your old life, you had slept in a pretty small room tucked in the second floor of your house. Space was cramped, having been one of three kids in a very chaotic household. What you found now was a definite upgrade. The front door leading directly to an open plan living room/kitchen, with large windows on one side, looking out over the town. Everything inside being very sleek with a shiny metal finish. While a large white leather sofa sat dead center in the room, along with a huge TV. It being a little minimalist perhaps, but Mr. Hanson most definitely had the stuff that mattered. A single bookshelf showed off titles that you were both familiar and alien. To your surprise, Hanson was a fan of High Fantasy and science fiction in addition to the typical boring crap people his age read.

You dropped your things and went over to plonk yourself down on the sofa. It was ridiculously comfortable and you settled back with a delighted sigh, eyes closed and letting yourself drift off into a light doze.

Sleep came for you long enough to have the beginnings of a dream, you were chasing your family only for them all to turn away, in that strange dream way, you raced after them but seemed to go nowhere. You cried out, but no words came. They vanished, smaller and smaller into the horizon until

Buuuuuzzzzzz

You were startled awake by the ringing of your door, and a bleary jolt, sat up on the sofa. The buzz came again, and you hastily hurried over to the door, “I’m coming,” you called, “I’m coming…”

You grabbed the door, opened it and saw…