Year 2853
"Eren! Eren are you okay?!"
Karla places her hands on Eren's shoulders, trying to get a good look at her son who is desperately clutching his head in pain.
"Eren!"
As quickly as the pain had come, it seems to be receding already, and Eren lifts his head slowly, staring through eyes that are only half open, at Karla.
"…Mum….?" His voice contains just a hint of doubt, but only for a split second. "Mum!" Eren shouts with such joy, while flinging his arms around his mother, that she's even more worried.
"Oh dear, Eren let me take a good look. Are you okay? Where does it hurt, sweetie?"
"I'm fine Mum, just really happy." Eren smiles smugly, more to himself than to his mother.
"Don't be silly. Let's go to the hospital right now! You were in so much pain…" Karla gently caresses Eren's hair, careful not to actually touch him in case it hurts.
"No really, I'm okay, Mum. I just….saw a bit of a dream."
"Saw a dream? Don't be ridiculous. Are you really okay? You keep repeating 'Mum', 'Mum' with every sentence…."
"I'm fiiiine, don't worry. More importantly, Mum, did you once tell me that there are 16 other kids with the same marks on their body as me?"