C1 The wounds that never heal

I woke up gasping for air, drenched in a cold sweat. It was the same nightmare that had been haunting me for months. In the dream, I watched helplessly as my mother and I drove to my grandpa's house, only to be struck by a truck that came out of nowhere. I relived the horror of that moment over and over again, feeling the impact, the glass shattering, and the piercing pain as I was thrown out of the car. But what haunted me the most was the guilt - the nagging thought that I had distracted my mother, causing the accident.

The tragedy took such a toll on my mind that I developed dissociative amnesia, which caused me to lose most of my memories. I barely remember anything about my past, and I found it difficult to connect with anyone or anything. But, my uncle took me in, and under his guidance, I began to learn basic fighting combat. He wanted me to be a soldier just like him, and I also felt the same. I was grateful for his support and care. He always treated me like his own child.

Despite being 45 years old, he displayed the energy and vigor of a man in his 30s. During my early training days under him, he was quite strict and even admonished me for wasting food by spilling or discarding it. Since I had lost my memories, he would often wake me up in the middle of the night to teach me elementary studies. However, whether it was his work or his interactions with me, he never lost control over his emotions, even during tragic incidents like the death of his close friends from his regiment.. He often used to say a quote-

"Emotions are not a choice, but how we respond to them is."

Eventually, my uncle admitted me to a military middle school, where I began to excel in not only sports but also studies and other activities. I even learned basic household chores, including cooking, something that surprised and pleased my uncle, which also let him change his views on me. From then, he wanted me to fly as much higher as I could.

My uncle had a dream for me - to get admitted to the S.O.A.A., which was rumored to be the biggest international project by the alliance of seven great nations, where they took in talented individuals, including children of the rich and influential. However, he died in a war against a neighboring country, leaving behind his dream and a promise.

Before his death, he entrusted the promise to his closest friend, Mr. H.M. Norman. I never had a chat with him, but my uncle had spoken highly of him, and I knew that I had to fulfill my uncle's dream, and in doing so, find a way to honor his memory.

But first, I had to confront my guilt and grief and find a way to move on from the tragedy that had shattered my world. The journey wouldn't be easy, but I was ready to face it head-on.