Meanwhile, in the Inbetween, Christopher felt like giving up completely. This vast emptiness, this blinding darkness, was more than he could take.
Christopher: *He jumps up, startled by the faintest of sounds.*Monja? Is that you?
The voice echoed again, closer this time, a beacon in the oppressive void.
Monja: *Her voice, though strained, carries a note of determination.* Christopher! Keep talking! So that I can find you…
Christopher: *He calls out, his voice trembling, a mix of hope and desperation.* Monja! I'm here! Where are you?
A soft, blue light pierced the darkness, growing brighter with each passing moment. It emanated from a transparent figure, slowly materializing in the abyss.
Monja: *She reached out a hand towards him, her voice filled with relief.* Christopher! I've found you!
Christopher: *He rushes towards her, his heart pounding loudly in his ears.* Monja! You're here! You're really here! *He tried to pull her into an embrace but his hands slipped right through her.* Why can't I hold you? *He asked, a deep sense of unease and a stark contrast of despair clinging to him.*
Monja: *She took a step back, her expression sad.* I'm only a hologram, my love. A beacon of light. I'm here to guide you out of this dull void. We need to go… this place… it isn't safe!
A ripple of energy pulsed through the Inbetween, a wave of warmth washing over the soulmates. The oppressive darkness began to recede, replaced by a faint, ethereal glow.
Christopher: *He blinks, momentarily blinded by the sudden shift in light.* What's happening?
Monja: *Smiles at Chris, and beckoned him closer.* Follow me, my love… the world of the living is waiting for us…