What... happened? That... thing. It was almost dead, and it looked like it was preparing something, so I projected a barrier, and..."...Bibine! Hey, hey wake up. Say something. Wake up! Oh gods, her skin is going cold... shit, fuck, her hair is turning white! Hey, what does that mean?!""I don't know! I'm not an aetherologist or a chirurgeon, why are you asking me?""We need to get her to a healer, NOW. Stay with me, okay?! We're getting help!".....
....
...
.I lie in bed. Just coming to. I stir, but I don't want to open my eyes just yet. I'm exhausted."She's awake! Thank the twelve, she's awake. Hold tight, okay? I'm going to go get the doctor."I begin to open my eyes.
They... are open, right? Aren't they?
I start to panic. Tears begin to well.

"Why can't I see you?"

• You shouldn't be here.

Weehee! Weehee!
I'm finally free!

Time to PLAY.

I lay in a sea of black that stretches on for miles. It's so cold. It's so dark. I curl up in a fetal position.

"Hey Beans."

"Go away. You're not even him. You're a fake. A mockery. A memory."

"You catch on fast. And jeez, Beans. Words hurt, even if I am just a figment of your own imagination."

"Stop calling me that." My words present with spite and vitriol. Why? Why him, of all people?

...
"Look, I just-"

I look over my shoulder. "Not in the mood for one of your famous pep-talks, sorry."
...
"I was overconfident. I practically LIED to the man. And when I saw them, I just... I couldn't force him to make that difficult decision. So I took it on myself. This is how I atone. I deserve this. At least his family will live."

...
The apparition sighs. "Hear me out, please?"

It's not him. It's not him but maybe for once... I don't know.

"The soul wants what it wants. A job stone doesn't do stuff like this unless there's a lesson to be learnt."

Job stone? Wait.
...
"Fine."

"Look, it's kind of hard for me to grasp what you're going through right now, I'll be honest, but you can get through it. You always have. You're the most resilient person I've ever known. Even including me. Just believe in yourself, okay? And... maybe also believe in the friends who believe in you." The apparition gently places a hand on my shoulder.

...
"You're stupid. That's stupid. But, I guess, I'll try. Thanks."
I manage a weak smile.