Emily had her face in her palm. Jeff was drooling again…

She looked up at the blue text box prominent on the towering Pillar’s surface.

The Chosen is experiencing a Myst Vision, please wait.

She didn't know what a Myst Vision was, but it at least seemed better than fighting monsters. Watching her husband fight was taxing on her emotions.

It was nearly midnight now and Emily was tired from the long and stressful day. She kept dozing off as Jeff was doing his workout routine. She didn't want to stop supporting Jeff, but after watching for nearly 12 hours it was time for her to take care of herself.

The fear of “the end of the world” had normalized a bit. Life continued on even if aliens, monsters and magic were real.

She stood up and stretched then grabbed her ice chest and backpack. She promised those around her she would be back early in the morning and started to extricate herself from the crowded circle.

"Emily!" She heard a voice call out to her. Through droopy eyes she looked back to see who it was.

She saw Jessica Gardner crossing through the empty space in the middle of the circle and she was followed by her two person camera crew.

Oh no, she thought. Please, don't ask for an interview.

Jessica spoke up through the din of voices excusing themselves from the night. "Emily, we would love to hear your thoughts about today." The woman closed the gap between them with quick, confident steps.

"Oh, that's, um…"

Jessica talked over her mumbling, "How do you feel knowing that your husband is on another planet?" The woman shoved the microphone into her face and looked at her with expectation.

Emily didn't mind the spotlight when she was singing or dancing, but cameras had always made her nervous. Her thoughts were jumbled and she just kind of said the first things that came to mind.

"It’s pretty wild, honestly, but I'm proud of him. It doesn't feel real yet. I feel like I can go home and he will be there to hug and hold me and tell me that our…our kids will be alright." She felt a lump form in her throat.

Jessica had a grim expression on her face. "Yes, we all want to know where our kids are and how we are going to survive this. Why do you think Jeff was chosen?"

The fierceness in the reporter's expression knocked her out of her stage fright. She realized that everyone was looking for answers. People all around the world were on the verge of breaking down. Her advice here could push people over the edge or she could help people find hope for the coming days.

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Emily decided to put her game face on and took on a more professional demeanor. "He was chosen because when the moment was presented to him, he didn't hesitate to act. He has always been good in crisis situations, always quick to act. I heard that when he arrived he ran straight into the Pillar to look for answers. And now I suppose he is getting them."

Jessica repositioned herself now that Emily was radiating confidence. She moved slightly behind her and asked her next question. "You were able to talk with Jeff through the System Pillar. Can you explain what happened when you put your hand into the Pillar?"

"Yes, I can. The Pillar wall kind of sucked my hand in. It felt weird at first, but never seemed dangerous. As I reached out to Jeff through the System Pillar I was able to hold on to his hand. I couldn't see his hand there, but I am positive it was his hand that I held."

"Are you saying you could hold hands with someone that was on a different planet?"

Emily nodded and spoke firmly, "Yes, the Boschyan Army let us hold hands across the multiverse. I don’t know how or why, but I’m confident that the hand I held was Jeff’s." Emily answered the question but she felt the need to continue on. She needed to help people find hope. "For me, that proves that they aren't nearly as bad as I first feared."

"Then do you think our kids are truly safer with them?"

That question startled her. Was she really defending the actions of these aliens? She didn't have time to think so she just answered with what she was feeling.

"They took Ammon, Ember, and Jeff from me today. I don't like that. Not one bit. But the question isn't whether I like them or their actions. The question should be, 'do we trust them and what they are telling us will happen'? If what they are saying is true, then I'm glad my family was taken.

"I can't imagine having one of my kids turned into an abomination like that crab monster. I'm terrified of facing the kinds of things that Jeff is, but if it means I might be able to see my kids again then I will do anything." Emily felt her convictions and finished her speech, "I'll find a way, even if it means killing thousands of monsters to do so."

Jessica smiled, "It's good to see that you two are so matched in your bravery." Then the reporter turned to the camera and ended her report.

Emily missed the last of what was said. Blood was rushing to her ears and she was sure her face had turned red. She wasn't embarrassed, per se. She was just very aware that she just supported the aliens on live television. It wasn't a ful on stamp of approval, but she was sure there were people cursing her out right now.

She excused herself and made the walk back to their apartment. She couldn't help but notice how many trees and plants were on her way home. Her searching eyes noticed things she normally wouldn't. She saw all the moths flying near the street lights. She saw ants making lines across the sidewalk.

She stopped as she noticed a caterpillar crawling towards her. She stomped on it and twisted her foot. Then stomped on the body a couple more times. She was terrified of what Jeff had to face, but she truly felt the words she had spoken on air.

She would do anything to see her kids again.

The Tutorial Planet that Jeff was on didn't seem to have as many bugs, but how long had that planet had the Myst? There were far more living organism here on this untouched planet. Would all of these bugs become monsters? Half? Even if a quarter of them became as big as those caterpillars her husband fought, this place would become an absolute nightmare.

She made it into her door and heard an eager meow. Their cat, Link, ran up to her and started rubbing on her legs, asking for attention. For a moment, Emily only saw a monster, then she saw her only remaining companion on this planet.

She fell to the floor and smothered the kitty with attention. Anything to help her forget the chaos of the day.

Eventually she checked her phone and realized her parents and siblings had texted. Jeff's Mom had called several times. She would get back with all of them tomorrow. She was mentally and emotionally exhausted and barely made it to her pillow before sleep claimed her.