The Beautiful Escape Hatch

There wasn't much left of her—at least not here. The void cradled what remained of Lisa, floating lightly like a coat she'd grown too small for. She could sense the parts she no longer had, the parts she had sent away. Through the lights, the breaches, Gary and Wyatt.

It was thrilling.

And annoying.

She hovered before the lattice now, her shape a shimmering outline. It had been an effective tool. Probability was far more powerful than many would imagine. Its manipulation could change the universe, and from her place in the void, she hoped it would help her gain freedom.

She was so close.

Closer to touching reality.

Closer to stepping into that world.

She touched one glowing strand. Then another. There were so many possibilities. All she needed was for Gary and Wyatt to touch. To connect. She could sense their resistance, fighting against her. They didn't know how wonderful she was, what a gift to them she would be.

They would.

She would show them.

But first she was going to have to push harder.

With so much of her essence already gone, it would take great effort to manipulate the lattice, but it was worth it. Everything and anything would be worth her freedom. She didn't know how she knew, but it was a truth buried deep inside her. On the other side of the veil, through Gary and Wyatt, Lisa would truly be born.

And that's when the fun could really begin.

"Alright, my beautiful escape hatches," she said, reaching her hands into the lattice, "let's turn up the heat."