The first thing I tried was to stand up, but my hind legs turned out to be like springs, similar to those of a rabbit. As soon as I applied force, I took an involuntary leap and slammed my face directly into the mud. I didn't get sad; I simply laughed.

  What came out of my throat was like a squawk mixed with a mewl, though in my mind it sounded like a clean laugh. It was the first time I could perceive the dampness of the mud or, better yet, feel anything at all.

  I got up as best as I could. I felt the wind, the heat of the sun, and the sticky moisture on my feet from the aftermath of the storm. After so long, I felt alive; I regained the will to live. I left the rock on the ground, saying goodbye to my previous body so I could move forward.

  I tried to walk, but my anatomy was strange, especially for someone who had been human and then an immovable stone. I moved my legs with caution so as not to stumble like a fool. This body didn't resemble a man's at all: it was small, barely a meter tall, and covered in short fur, similar to that of a gorilla. Additionally, I noticed that my heart was beating very fast, perhaps due to my size.

  I made it to the trunk of a tree and sat down to observe. Around me, the landscape was dominated by fallen trees and the destruction the storm had left in its wake. I stayed there for a good while, recognizing every texture: the dry leaves, the small twigs, the roughness of the bark... Then, curiosity about how I looked overcame me.

  Getting more used to my legs now, I walked toward a nearby puddle. My reflection showed a creature similar to a cat, with whiskers, but with antennas and long ears like those of a kangaroo. I also had a small pouch on my belly; I realized I was male. “What the hell is this for on a male?” I thought.

  I spent hours admiring the landscape. Everything was beautiful; I felt like a prisoner who finally achieves freedom. The trees, the bushes that resisted the flood, and the small birds were so new to me that they even made me want to cry.

  However, as night fell, the roar of my stomach made itself known. I had forgotten that being a living being involves basic needs: eating, drinking, sleeping, and relieving oneself. Driven by a ravenous hunger, I began to walk to find something to satiate my insides.

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  Although there were many puddles around me, I avoided drinking from them, remembering that bacteria could kill me. I had no idea if this new body would withstand the microorganisms of this world; the truth was, I knew absolutely nothing about where I was standing.

  The night sounds were unsettling: the whistling of the wind, the echo of my steps, and my own breathing. I heard what sounded like crickets and, perhaps, an owl? There were too many unknown noises.

  After several minutes of searching without success, I remembered that this body was omnivorous. I had seen Viktor eat everything from plants and fruits to small insects. There were several bugs within my reach, but they disgusted me tremendously, so I kept walking.

  I walked for nearly another hour until the hunger caused me dizziness. My attention focused on a small bush with dark leaves that smelled of mint. I remembered seeing Viktor feeding on them, so without a second thought, I began to chew them. They were extremely bitter and numbed my tongue almost instantly, but they were the first thing I had tasted in an eternity. A tear escaped me.

  My friends would say I’m crazy if they saw me crying while eating bitter leaves that freeze my mouth, but to me, it was proof that my life was moving forward. Anyone would mock a defenseless animal in that situation. “Have I become more sensitive, or is it simply the happiness of being able to do something with my life?” I reflected as I swallowed.

  With something in my stomach, thirst became the main problem; in fact, the leaves seemed to have made it worse. I searched for a river or clean water, avoiding the mud puddles. Finally, I found a bush covered in dew. I gathered the drops with my small hands and began to lick them. I quenched my thirst a bit, but it wasn't enough. Still, it was incredible to regain the ability to perform such a simple act.

  The search continued until I stumbled upon the entrance to a cave. I thought there might be an aquifer inside, but the darkness was total. I didn't dare enter. What if there was a predator lurking? I didn't plan on dying again.

  Another hour passed and the thirst became unbearable. Damn it, being a living being is exhausting; for a moment I wished to be a stone again, though I immediately remembered that being a rock was worse. Just then, I heard the murmur of a current.

  I hurried my pace following the sound, which grew more and more intense. I pushed aside some leaves blocking the path and there it was: a majestic river... or well, that’s how I imagined it, because in reality, it was a small creek. I didn't care.

  I knelt down and pressed my mouth to the water. My dry lips seemed to give a cry of joy as I began to suck it in. It was a feeling of immense gratitude. Definitely, being alive is incredible, even if I am an animal and have already died once. What has my life become?