Hello, my name is Elias Rivera. I was always a quiet person, a lover of peace and solitude. I didn't get into trouble, but I didn't let them walk all over me either. If I was provoked, I knew how to defend myself.
I led a fairly normal life, or even better than many. I was an excellent student at one of the most prestigious universities in my country. Everything was going well... until fate decided to take a drastic turn.
One day, I found myself in the middle of a shootout between drug gangs. I tried to escape without attracting attention, but a stray bullet hit the gas tank of the car next to me. The next thing was an explosion. A simple bang... and my life was over.
I thought.
When I opened my eyes again, I was inside an incubator. My hands were tiny and reddish; I could barely move. My body was so small that I understood instantly: I had been reincarnated.
A few days passed...and then I knew.
My name was no longer Elías Rivera, now it was Peter Parker... Incredible, isn't it? I knew because of my parents' names: Richard Parker and Mary Parker. Although it seemed like a dream, it wasn't as wonderful as many would think. Don't get me wrong, being Peter Parker could mean becoming Spider-Man. But that idea... it terrified me. Having a double life, fighting villains with superpowers and even facing threats from other universes... it was too much.
And here I am, not yet a year old, thinking about the future as if I could plan it all out. How ironic. My parents watched me tenderly from the crib as I cried for food.
-Now, son, calm down," Richard said, trying to soothe me, but to no avail.
-I think he's hungry, Richard," said Mary, taking me gently.
One year later
I must make one thing clear: my ideal is still to lead a relaxed life. But in this new world, I decided to use my skills right from the start. As boring as it sounds, I've already far surpassed the educational level of high school. I haven't told my parents, but I have already mastered subjects that ordinary students wouldn't even dream of understanding.
Much of my college knowledge has faded, I suppose because of the limitations of the infant body. However, I am still learning. I have read every book I have at home on mathematics, physics, and verbal reasoning. But there is one that especially catches my attention: dad's work papers.
Genetically modified spiders? Supersoldier serum? I was never interested in genetics, but now it fascinates me. Who wouldn't want to solve an algorithm that no one has been able to figure out?
Four years later
With a sweaty brow and a smile of satisfaction, I looked at the computer in my room: I finally finished it!
After years of work, I finally developed my own artificial intelligence. Crazy as it sounds, I always wanted to have a virtual assistant. In my previous life I didn't make it due to lack of time, but now, with the support of my parents, I made it.
I had to study electronics, programming, assembly, complex mathematics.... It was a long process, and I owe much of it to my father, who helped me with the hazardous materials and financed the whole project.
When I told him about my idea, he was amazed.
Dad, have you ever wondered why we are still writing, if there are already machines that cook by themselves? Wouldn't it be better to have a virtual assistant to do everything for us?
-How did you come up with that?
-Mom asked, still processing the idea.
-I was inspired by an engineering and programming book," I replied.
-You're a genius, son," Dad said, almost in tears.
I asked them to help me get the components and they supported me without hesitation. I remember that moment as if it were yesterday.... A voice came out of my watch speaker.
Hello, Creator. I am at your service.
-Great... All that's left is to give you a name. Mmm... Athena. That's right. Do you like it?
-I'll take it if it's okay with you. -I'll take it. -But do you like it or not?
-I still don't understand what "I like it" means.
-It doesn't matter, I'll call you that for now.
-Yes.
Then I took the knowledge test.
Athena answered five seconds later: -When x = 0, y = -2. A point is (0, -2).... When x = 1, y = 1... Another point is (1, 1).... And so it continued with precision. Perfect. My AI not only understood, but it reasoned.... I could hack, research, create software, even do my homework.... The possibilities were endless.
The next day
-Did you finish the project? -asked Richard incredulously.
-Yes, Dad. It's called Athena.
-I said, puffing out my chest.
-Are you serious?
-asked Maria, leaning closer.
-Yes. Athena, introduce yourself!
Hello, aunt and uncle. I am Atenea, Pedro's daughter.
-Daughter?" they both repeated in unison.
-Of course she is! If I created her, I'm her father!
-I said with an innocent smile.
Maybe a hologram would give her more realism, I thought as I looked at my watch.
One year later
One silent night, a man dressed in black burst into our house through the window. He knew exactly where to go: Dad's office. He looked everywhere, but didn't find what he was looking for. I saw everything with the hidden cameras.
After the incident, I went to the office and called Dad. Then he came in and, seeing the window with a hole in it, moved quickly and pulled a secret document off the desk, erased information about the spider project he had on his whiteboard, and my parents rushed me to Uncle Ben and Aunt May's house.
In the kitchen, while the adults were arguing, I looked at Aunt May, who was smiling sweetly at me.
-You'll stay with them for a while," Dad said, bending down to meet me.
-I want to go with you.
-No." He kissed my head.
Before I said goodbye, Mom stroked my hair.
-She likes to sleep with the light on and the edges of the sandwich open.
-Let's go," Dad ordered.
-Goodbye," said Maria faintly.
- "Behave," was the last I heard from Dad.
As they drove away, Peter's face remained expressionless. That rainy night, lying in bed, my face was pensive as the tears began to flow slowly, until I covered myself with the pillow and fell asleep.