"Freedom from feeling guilty that I was given a second chance… while the rest of Caelthorn never were."
Shadow Theo smiles.
He reaches out and pats Theo on the upper arm, the gesture solid and grounding.
"We get a second chance, Theo. In life. How many people get that?"
Theo lets out a faint breath of a laugh. He nods, just a little.
"Yes. We do. I should cherish it instead of feeling frustrated all the time. Now that I've said it out loud…" He scratches the back of his neck, embarrassed. "It kind of sounds silly."
"No." Shadow Theo shakes his head gently. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about. You realized it. That's what matters."
He inhales slowly, as if steadying himself.
"Now," Shadow Theo asks, "how long are you going to stay here?"
Theo blinks.
"I can… move on?" His voice lifts, uncertain. "What do I do? Just walk into the light?"
He looks around the endless void.
"Where's the light?"
Shadow Theo laughs, soft and almost fond.
