Diego opened his eyes and slowly rose himself up. He looked around and saw that he was in some forest, next to a cave. His face showed confusion as he slowly entered the cave.
"Am I dead?"
As he entered the cave and looked around.
"Wait a second, is this my cave? My home from all those years ag-"
He turned around and saw someone he thought he would never see again in all of his life.
"Da-Daniel?"
And there at the entrance of the cave, there was a small figure with golden brown fur and two emerald eyes. It was as if he was looking at his own reflection.
The little cub smiled. "Diego!"
They both ran up to each other nuzzling. Diego couldn't stop the tears from falling, so he didn't try.
After a while they pulled apart, and that's when Diego started asking questions.
"Where am I? What happened? Am I dead?"
"Big bro chill out" Daniel laughed. "I'll answer your questions. After Gutt stabbed you, you bleeded out, but you're not dead yet."
"What?"
"Yeah it's kinda complicated for you since you still have the mindset of a living person"
"Wait if you're here, where's mom and dad?"
"They are in the afterlife. Only one of us was able to come and see you and they decided to send me here."
"Really?"
"Yeah! They wanted me to see you since we haven't seen each other in a while since the accident."
Diego's face turned sad when he remembered how Daniel died. "Daniel I want to tell you I am so sorry you died. I know it was my fault and caused you to die early and not experience a life you wanted."
"Diego you know that's not true. Everything was meant to happen for a reason. For example if I didn't die, you wouldn't have met that saber you really like" Daniel teased.
Diego felt a blush come to him. "You know about that?"
"I know everything. I also know the reason why you won't tell her. You're scared about losing her. You think that if you tell her you will lose her because you have lost everything you have cared for."
Diego was surprised with the words coming out of Daniel's mouth. And the fact that they were all….true.
"Let me tell you that I know you are scared, but you have nothing to worry about with your feelings."
"What do you mean?"
"We're running out of time. I was only able to talk to you for only a while. You have to think about something though."
"What?"
"You have two choices, you can either come with me and be fully dead and come to the afterlife. You will be able to see Mom and Dad again and we will be able to be together. Or you can go back, go back to living and see your herd again. Don't worry though, you'll be able to see us again when you die or you can see everyone now."
Diego was looking at the choices he had. He could die, see his parents again and see everyone in his family. Or he could go back, be with his herd, be with Shira again. A part of his heart wanted to see his family, but the other part wanted to see her again.
"It's time Diego. What do you choose?"
Diego sighed and that's when he told Daniel his answer which led to Daniel smiling.
Sorry for not updating for a while. School has been killing me and with online school, it can be hard. Stay safe, wear a mask and protect those around you.