Unaware of her son-in-law's thought's Alix pressed a final switch. The circlet flared, light spilling across Liwu's face. Her eyes fluttered shut. Her breathing slowed. The monitors beeped steadily.
And then, she was gone.
***
Colors exploded around her. Liwu opened her eyes to find herself standing in a floating garden. The trees, flowers and butterflies were talking to her. She looked down at herself and gasped. Her most loved trench coats were replaced by a pink frilly dress covered in cartoons. When she moved, her shoes squeaked with every step. Her hair was tied in pigtails. She felt lighter, sillier, almost giddy.
She also promised herself to kick her sister in the shin because this was not her preferred choice of clothing. Squeaky shoes!!! She didn't even think she wore those a a baby!
Then, a grown up waddled to her. It was Qiren. "Follow me," she said.
