Waking up from his peaceful nap, Danny found himself in the backseat of a familiar SUV. It was his parent’s car and driving it was his mother.
"Mom?" He asked. "What happened?"
He felt a bit of relief, knowing he could speak properly again.
His mother briefly gazed at the rear-view mirror, reflecting the image of a confused toddler in a pair of overalls, and with a belt securing his baby car seat. "Hey, sweetie! I just picked you up from daycare, remember? And for being such a good boy, mommy's gonna let you buy some new toys! Isn't that fun?" She answered, barely containing her excitement.
Dan gave her a stern look and said:
"You can drop the act, mom. I'm only a kid physically, and besides, that doesn't answer my question."
His mother chuckled. "I know, I know… It's just that I'm overjoyed. My favourite thing about being a mother was watching you and your brothers grow up right in front of me, and I could do it a thousand times. And knowing that you're getting another fresh start in life makes it better."
She continued.
"You must understand why your father and I were so strict on you before - it's because we worried about you; your future. But the fact that you took this risk to turn your life around is what made us proud. And we assure you that we'll be with you every step of the way."
Dan turned his head to the window, as the car passed by different nurseries, schools, and even the University of his dreams. He figured that it was worth it.
"Thanks, mom… I promise I'll make it right this time."
"I know you will, dear."
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Three years have passed. A five-year-old Dan walked alongside his mother, holding his a lunchbox in one arm, and the handle of his rolling backpack in the other.
"Are you ready to go through kindergarten again, Dan?"
"Well, with my memories intact, they'll think I'm some kind of child prodigy."
The two laughed and said their goodbyes.
"Goodbye, honey. Make me proud!"
"You don't have to tell me twice." He grinned as he walked into his class. This was the beginning of a long journey.