And what decision is that? I doubt you’ll let yourself die. You just don’t have the courage. Her other self laughed.

“Oh, you’re wrong, you psychotic, body-snatching bitch!” She turned to her husband and, even though she knew he wouldn’t feel it, kissed him on the cheek. “Goodbye, Thomas. Take care of Lindsay for me.” She closed her eyes. “I’m ready to go.”

She was snapped back into the tunnel. She opened her eyes and could see a pinpoint of light ahead, getting larger and brighter.

You actually did it! Melody turned and saw her alter ego behind her.

“You misjudged me.” She smiled, smugly. “How could I go back knowing that you would be waiting if I ever regained full use of my body? This way, I move on to whatever comes after, and you’ll just be gone.”

Oh, no, the other said. You misunderstood. As Melody got closer to the light at the end, her alternate became darker, more defined, more real. I can’t follow you into the afterlife, but that doesn’t mean I’ll be destroyed. Oh, no. She laughed.