After all, there is no one left...

The first thing I realized when I woke up was that I was not alone in bed. This could mean two things: The Void did not deceive me, and I returned home, or… it’s another monster. I rolled over onto my back and stared at the ceiling. There was no doubt — I was in my home. But what did it all mean? I didn’t have to be tormented by doubts for long — the creature next to me began to stir. — Good morning, honey! Happy birthday! — this voice… this intonation… left no doubt. — Katya! I am so glad to see you! — I wrapped my wife in a tight hug, knocking a sharp sigh out of her. — Darling, I’m also very happy about this day! But… did something happen? — she asked worriedly when I pulled away. — I missed you very much this night. I had a dream where all the people disappeared, and I was left alone with the monsters, and then I met the Void… — what happened really looked like a nightmare. But, fortunately, it ended. — Poor! But now you are at home, we are here, and nothing threatens you! — the woman whispered, stroking my head. — Do you mind if I go make breakfast? Just lie down for now. — Of course, dear. But I’d better prepare gifts for Yulia, — I decided, laughing. Ekaterina left, and I, without hesitation, got out of bed and walked around the house. Everything was in place, just as it was on the twenty-fifth. There were no traces of blood or pogrom anywhere… It was unusual. I went into the bathroom, turned on the light, went to the sink and turned on the cold water. It was a dream… But too realistic. But now everything is fine. — Not a dream… — flashed through my head. Dream! This couldn’t be true! — It’s true… You can’t deceive yourself… — the voice either died down or sounded like an alarm bell. I covered my eyes with my hands and tried to ignore that damn voice. A minute later everything stopped. I looked at my wrists… №001 This is true. — You finally understand, — the voice said again. I heard mockery in him. What am I supposed to do? — Nothing. Rest. “You won’t go back there again, — the voice answered. Having calmed down, I left the bathroom and headed to the nursery. Julia was fast asleep, so nothing stopped me from bringing a gift into the room and leaving it on the bed. Smiling, I quietly closed the door and went into the kitchen. The smell of pancakes could already be heard from there. Half an hour later the whole family was assembled. Katya and I happily watched our happy daughter unpacking her gift, a new phone. Then Ekaterina took out sneakers and sunglasses for me. I looked at them in disbelief and almost cried. — Thank you… I love you so much! — I whispered. — What’s wrong with you today? Is it because of sleep? — the woman asked worriedly. The girl also instantly became serious and looked into my eyes. — Is something wrong, dad? Did I upset you? — she asked. — No, really, everything is fine. I love you very much! — I exclaimed. The family hugged and went to breakfast. This routine and normality… I’m unaccustomed to them. I was used to constant tension, battles for my life, hallucinations and mental suffering. But now, eating pancakes with jam, surrounded by my family, I felt peace, as if nothing really had happened. — Where are we going today? — I asked. — I think we can go to the park and then to a restaurant. You don’t have to go to work today, — Ekaterina suggested. — And what? Let’s! — I smiled. Julia squealed with joy. *** The day went great. Unlike dozens of previous ones. But the bad memories gradually faded away, giving way to pleasant ones acquired today. Already lying on the bed, I replayed the conversation with the Void in my head. Her experiment brought me a lot of pain, but her goal, if, of course, she told me the truth, was noble. I never thought about the existence of other worlds. The Void said that monsters live in them? But perhaps there were those in which happy people lived. They did not know troubles, wars and hunger… Maybe in other worlds I was even happier. I immediately pulled myself together. After going through this test, I realized how much I underestimated my life. For this, the Void could be thanked. Now I’m free. But my life will never be the same again.