With his heart thumping like a drum in his chest, Liam stood in the glaring light. The darkness of hopelessness whirled about him like ravenous ghosts, giving him the impression that he was floating in a world that defied reason. The thunderous boom subsided, giving way to a strange quiet that hovered in the air. It seemed to last forever—a moment caught between decisions, between light and black.
"Liam!" Emily's words rang loud and piercing through the fuzz. The sound was so familiar that it was like a lifeline, bringing him back to the world he was fighting for. With desperation gnawing at his throat, he turned and looked for her in the emptiness.
He yelled, "I'm here!" as his voice bounced off the empty walls. "Where are you, Emily?"
He called to her, and she materialised in front of
