The realm between life and death shimmered softly, glowing in gentle hues of gold and silver.
The shadow was gone.
The danger had passed.
Sade stood, exhausted but alive in spirit, feeling the warmth of victory—and the pull of the world she had left behind.
Tunde stood beside her, silent.
His glow was steady, comforting, but she could see the sadness in his eyes.
"You… you can return," he said softly.
"To your body. To your family. To your world."
Sade swallowed, her heart tightening.
"I want to… but…"
Tunde gave a small, sad smile.
"But what?"
"I don't want to leave you," she whispered.
"You've been with me through everything. I… I don't know if I can go back and forget this—forget you."
Tunde reached for her hand.
"You won't forget," he said gently.
"You'll carry this with you, and I'll always be here… between worlds, watching over you."
The air shimmered, forming a portal of soft white light.
It pulled at her gently, tugging at her spirit.
Sade turned to Tunde one last time.
Her eyes shone with tears and gratitude.
"I'll never forget you," she said.
"I know," Tunde whispered, his form beginning to fade.
"You are strong. And your light… will guide you always."
The moment stretched.
A handbrush.
A deep breath.
And then, Sade stepped into the light.
Her eyes fluttered open.
The sterile white of the hospital room greeted her.
The sound of monitors beeping, her mother sobbing with relief, her father holding back tears.
Sade's body was alive.
Her spirit had returned.
But in her heart… she carried the memory of the other world.
Of Tunde.
Of the shadow.
Of her own strength.
She whispered, almost inaudibly:
"Tunde…"
Her voice trembled.
The connection remained, invisible but real.
And she knew one thing:
She had been given a second chance.
A life to live, a power to cherish,
And a bond that would never truly fade.