Chapter 8

Accompanied by the howling wind, I thought I heard someone calling my name. I tried hard to open my eyes but could only see rocks flying past.

I smiled, feeling genuinely happy.

This was the perfect death I had chosen for myself. A bottomless cliff meant certain death. My body would nourish the earth.

And I would never have to see Xander, Oliver, Jacob, or Asher who did not love me, ever again.

[Congratulations, Host. You are about to return to your original world.]

When I opened my eyes again, I was lying on a familiar hospital bed. Beside me sat my parents, their hair now graying at the temples.

I wanted to reach out and touch them. However, my body, still in a vegetative state, would not allow me to lift my hand or open my mouth.

A tear rolled down my cheek.

Mom, Dad, it’s so good to see you again.

Epilogue:

"Is she crying, honey? Did Monique just shed a tear?"

In the original world, my name was Monique, meaning "one of a kind" in my parents' hearts. After my accident,