New and Improved

As they approached, he saw it was twice his height. It looked like something long had coiled in on itself and then hardened, partially buried in the sand like an ancient fossil. At its center was a hole—just the right size for His Light.

He leaned over to peer inside. The sand gave way beneath him and tumbled into darkness.

“Does it go on forever?” she asked.

“It’s very deep,” he replied softly.

“Maybe… my hat was pulled down there,” His Light murmured suspiciously, leaning forward in her egg pod to peer deeper inside.

Just then, a powerful gust tore through the air— stronger than the one that had taken her hat.

In an instant, she was snatched from his hands.

Her egg pod was far too smooth—his fingers couldn’t hold on.

“Ah!” she cried.

He reached out—his fingertips brushed hers for just a moment.

Then she was gone, sliding into that deep darkness.

But it wasn’t cold. It was soft. Warm.

The tunnel walls shimmered, reflecting her light in every direction— colors bursting like neon. It was fast. Beautiful. Surprising.

It felt like the tunnel itself was welcoming her.

"Wheee!" Her fear turned to laughter. She let herself whirl through three great loops, faster and faster— until, all at once, it was over.

The pod shattered on impact. Her small body floated briefly in the air— —but he was already there.

He caught her, gently.

“Oh, good… My Light. You didn’t lose any pieces?” His voice was tender.

Still breathless and thrilled, she replied:

“That was really cool… But… it broke. The pod you made for me…”

She looked down at the broken fragments below them and spoke with regret.

“Maybe… that was someone’s precious memory. And I just played with it and lost it, like it was a toy. I should’ve returned it when I was done.”

Guilt filled her voice. But the Dark Traveler only smiled gently.

“Maybe it wanted to come here too. Even if it broke.”

He turned and pointed toward the center of the vast chamber.