I was so deep in this new experience, when I flung open the door to Death and entered the Crosspath it took me a moment to realize I wasn't in the quiet, carpeted hub of the realms. Instead, my bare feet sank into warm, gritty sand, the soft and fragrant breeze blowing salty air over my cheek. I turned, confused, the mist gone, emotions settling again and regret flaring.

What was I thinking? I had to go back and apologize to Dad for being so cruel. But instead, when I turned ...