The Survivor’s Regression Part 1

In The Survivor's Regression, Part 1: The Maturity Gene, M.P. Hendy takes you into a world irrevocably scarred by a catastrophic blackout. David Renado carries the weight of a lifetime, a life destroyed by apocalyptic devastation, now resurrected in the smaller version of his 13-year-old self. He's a veteran, a bereaved father, a survivor thrust back into the past with the grim knowledge of a future.

He remembers the collapse, the loss of his children, the brutal struggle for survival. These memories are not fading echoes; they are vivid, horrifying realities that fuel his present actions. His sudden maturity alarms his parents. He excels academically, distances himself from his peers, and relentlessly trains, transforming himself into a formidable force against a future no one else knows is coming. His emotional detachment from his family and friends becomes a source of concern for his mother, sensing his inner turmoil worries.

Then come the new neighbor, Tiffany, a high school junior who finds herself drawn to David's unusual maturity and willingness to help. He becomes a confidant, offering a strength and stability she has never encountered. This budding connection sparks attraction, but the ethical complexities are magnified by David's situation. Trapped in a 14-year-old body with the memories of a grown man, he grapples with the implications of such a relationship, sharing carefully chosen glimpses of his knowledge, further piquing Tiffany's interest.

As time progresses, he finds himself navigating other relationships, each with unique challenges. There's Jennifer, drawn in by his strength and aloofness, and Summer, intrigued by the change in his behavior. The reemergence of Tiffany ignites jealousy amongst those around him. He strategically reveals pieces of his "dream" about the apocalypse to Summer, gauging her reaction. As prom night approaches, the pressure intensifies. David finds himself escorting Tiffany, Jennifer, and Summer, and the night becomes a stage where his past collides with his present, his tightly held secrets threatening to unravel.

After graduation, driven by the knowledge of his previous life, David excels in military training, drawing attention with his skills and unwavering focus. He spends holiday leave with Summer and Jennifer, continuing to navigate the complexities of his relationships and further refining his plans for the future.