A moment before the ground was supposed to meet them, the world around them trembled. The lights vanished, the wind died down, and they were seemingly sucked into an emptiness. Thousands of pinpricks ran over their skin, then they felt an enveloping warmth—and in the very next second, they splashed into the cool water of a lake.
They surfaced, coughing and spitting. Sophie laughed—loudly and ecstatically. She looked at her hands—her skin was no longer translucent, the bluish tint was gone, and she felt as if she could run a mile without stopping.
David was also laughing nervously as he climbed out of the water. The fear of death, the fear for her life and health, the horror of the fall, the miraculous rescue—there were too many events and emotions for the last two minutes. He lay down on the warm grass, looked up at the sky, and tried to regain his composure.
Sophie settled down next to him and took his hand. Her hand was warm, strong, full of life. David turned his head and studied his beloved attentively for a long time. A blush on her cheeks, a smile, bright lips, glowing eyes, her face had become rounder, the sharp cheekbones were gone. Her skin was no longer gray, but pinkish-white. Her naked chest rose and fell evenly with strong, full breaths. Her ribs were no longer noticeably protruding beneath her breasts. Her thighs were wide, muscular, and filled with strength again. It felt as though she had gained five, or even ten, kilograms in two minutes. She was back to her old self—a strong young woman, radiating energy, sensuality, and a readiness for adventure.
David felt immensely happy. He closed his eyes and basked in the warm rays of the sun.
They had arrived naked in this world. Their clothes lay carelessly a few meters from the shore, and a little further stood a charming RV. Next to it, meat was marinating in a large bowl, and vegetables—not yet washed or chopped—lay nearby.
After resting, Sofia headed off to scout—towards the meat and the little house. David caught up to her, grabbed her hand, pulled her close, and hugged her very, very tightly. What incredible pleasure to hug her, healthy and even hungry, to feel her breath. Sofia, sinking into his embrace, whispered:
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For everything."
And they went off to prepare the meat and vegetables.