OLD-WORLD EXTRA

Chapter 29: Rebuilding

As Emir started to speak, memories flooded back to him, like a dam that had finally burst.

He told them about what he remembered of his past life, about the world he came from, and the events that had led up to his rebirth in this new world.

It was difficult at first, as he struggled to describe the emotions and experiences he had gone through.

But as he spoke, he found that it was becoming easier to express himself, to share his story with those who mattered most to him.

Laura listened intently, with tears slowly streaming down her face while he spoke.

But even as she cried, he saw the anger and hurt in her eyes and knew that it would take more than just words to repair the damage that had been done.

Lily, although still obviously saddened, seemed more understanding and willing, to accept his past for what it was.

She asked questions, seeking to understand him on a deeper level, to which he was incredibly grateful.

As Emir finished his story, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders.

For the first time in a long while, he felt like he could breathe again and face the world with renewed strength and purpose.

"So to sum it up, I was a normal twenty-four-year-old man named Asher, with a well-paying engineering job, a job that I can't remember much of and a loving family, but due to my excessive smoking, I left them behind and died an early death, which resulted in me waking up in your son's body."

Laura wiped her tears and looked at him with a mix of confusion and disbelief.

"I can't believe this is happening. You expect me to believe all of that?"

"I know it's hard to accept, but it's the truth."

Lily spoke up, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"I believe you. I know that the Emir of today would be a completely different person if not for you, but that doesn't mean we can't still be a family. In fact, hearing you talk and calming down, I was reminded of the way that you've always treated me, like a loving older brother, like family. So, let me at least offer my help as we try to get through this together."

Contrary to Lily's support, Laura remained silent, lost in thought.

Emir continued to explain what had happened and answer their questions.

It was a difficult conversation, but it was also necessary for them to move forward.

After what felt like hours of talking, they finally came to a consensus.

Laura was still unsure about accepting Emir as her son, but she agreed to try and work through her feelings.

Lily, on the other hand, was willing to embrace Emir as her brother.

"Thank you," he said, looking at them.

"I know that I hurt you, and I don't expect you to forgive me right away. But I want to make things right between us, to earn back your trust."

Laura didn't say anything for a moment, but then she reached out and took his hand.

"I don't know if I can accept it yet," she said softly. "But I'll try."

Emir felt a surge of gratitude towards her, and he squeezed her hand back tightly.

"Thank you," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

They stood up to leave, but before leaving, Laura asked him.

"So do we call you Asher or Emir now?"

"Emir, please call me Emir, Asher was the name of my past, in this life, I wish to be called by the name you have given me, Mother."

Lily nodded, and Laura gave Emir a small smile that pushed away her tears.

"Emir it is then," she said.

"And we'll take things one step at a time. We're not going to pretend like everything is okay, but we're willing to work on it."

He felt a sense of relief flood over him.

'It isn't going to be easy, but they are willing to try, and that's all that matters.' He thought.

As they got up to leave, Lily turned to Emir.

"Thank you for telling us the truth, Emir. It means a lot to me."

He nodded, "Thank you for listening. I know it wasn't easy, but I appreciate your willingness to hear me out."

Almost leaving the room, Lily stopped again and turned her head back at Emir.

"Emir, are there any other secrets that you might be still hiding?"

Laura stopped beside her, waiting for his answer.

Sighing, Emir looked at them with tired eyes.

"Yes... I won't lie to you, I'm still hiding another secret from you, this time not because of me lacking the courage but because I didn't wish to involve you in my troubles. I have a guess of who caused me to reincarnate here, and I planned to tell you about them, but I need you to give me some time to think about it more. I still have things to straighten out, and when I'm done, I'll be sure to tell you about it."

"You must know that this is different. It's not just about me anymore. There are people out there who are involved in this with a reach I can't imagine, this is bigger than all of us."

Lily and Laura looked at each other, concern etched on their faces.

He could see the hesitation in their eyes, but he knew that they would respect his decision.

After a moment of silence, Laura said,

"Emir, If you don't feel comfortable telling us now, we won't push you. We will wait until you're ready, but if you ever need our help or support, you know where to find us."

He nodded, grateful for their understanding.

"I'll keep that in mind."

As they left the room, he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.

He was relieved to have finally come clean about his past as Asher and to have made some progress in building a real relationship with his family, but he still had immense hatred for the organization for forcing him into doing so and for their attempt at killing the only thing he had.

Laying his back on the bed, he mulled over whether he should tell them or not.

'Lyra's organization is too dangerous, and the time where we would butt heads is inching closer by the day... But I guess they are already involved in that, so it doesn't matter now.' He slept lost in his thoughts.

…

After awakening, Emir freshened up and engaged in a lengthy conversation with his AI companion.

They meticulously discussed the details of what she would say to his family, ensuring that the information they were about to hear would not jeopardize their safety.

And so he asked his mother to call Lily to come and have lunch with them, finally ready to tell them about Lyra and the organization.

After eating, he went back to his room, tidying it up, as he was soon interrupted by a knock on the door.

Quickly finishing what he was doing, he made his way to answer it.

He opened the door and welcomed his mother and sister, both of whom looked determined.