-DAY 1
Neo stared at the paper on the desk.
A 6 marked in red.
Around him, classmates were talking about higher grades. Some laughed. Others complained.To Neo, that number felt final.
— Why can't I get better?
The thought echoed louder than the noise in the classroom.
Later, walking out of college, he heard Júlio speak casually:
— Man, the important thing is to pass. Not everyone has to be good at everything.
Neo nodded but didn't answer.
When they reached the fork in the road, each took a different path.
Neo paused for a moment, watching his friend walk away.
Then he continued walking.
At home, the room was silent.
Neo threw himself onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.
— Maybe it's better to accept that I'll never get any better…
Fatigue won quickly. His eyes closed.
When he opened them again, something was wrong.
The room looked the same.But someone was there.
A man was sitting in front of him.
It was himself.
Older. More tired.The image flickered, as if it were dissolving.
— I… am you — said the man, his voice weak.
Neo tried to move, but his body didn't respond.
The man extended his hand.A wristwatch rested in his palm.
— Maybe… this time you can. I can.
Before Neo could ask anything, the figure began to disappear.Particles of light dissolved into the air.
Then, darkness.
Neo woke up suddenly.
On the bed, gasping.
— Was… that a dream?
His gaze fell on his wrist.
The watch was there.
Cold. Heavy. Real.