Reboot

Vicious circle

I have always know things I should not have known. When I was 4, I knew things about wars I had never heard about. I would go up to older people I had never met before, and call the by their first names. I would sings songs of sadness and hope in German and Polish, but I knew nether language. But oddest of all, was the house. 2 miles from my childhood home, was a small, blue, abandoned cottage. I convinced my parents to go there. When we did, I walked around saying, ¨I used to sit here and listen to the radio. This was where I slept. This was where my mom died. But you are the best mom I´ve ever had.¨ My mom responded with a smile, ¨But I'm the only mom you've ever had!¨ ¨No. I´ve had 12. But you're the best.¨ When I was growing up, I always had a strong attraction and knowledge of WWII, To the point where my room has every single WWII airfix model I could find hanging on my ceiling. So, at age 20, I joined the airforce. People from all over said I was the best pilot that had ever come to the base, that I had knowledge (and seemingly, the experience) that only the most seasoned pilots could attain.

The year was 2089. We had just entered WWIII. I was flying a plane, high above the clouds, feeling at home. As I flew down with my squadron, the clouds parted, and I saw a massive aircraft carrier. It fired 20 heat seeking missiles. One for each of us. There was no escape. As The missile flew closer, I had a flash of memory, and in that moment, It all became clear.

I was flying a British Spitfire above the English Channel, and I saw a aircraft carrier. A plane flew up and riddled mine with bullets. As I heard the chatter of gunfire, I prayed. ¨Dear God, give me another chance.¨

Back to reality, I looked at the terrible missile, getting closer by the second. I looked to the heaven and prayed. ¨ Dear God, give me another chance.¨ The it all went dark. I saw a bright light, and a loud voice. ¨Well, well, well. Here we are again. You gave up your life for your country once more. ¨Then I heard what sounded like a car horn. The voice spoke again.

¨Lets reboot¨

The light grew brighter. I was almost blinded. But this time, I did not forget who I was. I remembered.

I was standing at a street corner, with a wallet in my hand. I looked inside it and saw an ID. I was a 16 year old named Leo Vasquez. As I walked toward what I somehow knew to be my home, I said to myself, ¨I will not forget.¨

And I have not done that yet. I have died as a pilot over 40 times now. Each time I remember. I know all of my 40 names. I know all of my 40 cars. I know all of my 80 parents. I have not forgotten.

I will continue to die to help my country. For if I do not, who will?

But no matter what,

I will endure.