Mark woke up yelping, covered in cold sweat. "LISA! WHERE'S LISA?!" He shouted, heavily breathing. But, after looking around, he realized that he wouldn't be seeing his beloved anytime soon... He was in some poor-or-medieval-styled looking room, in a bed. Well, actually that was hay covered with cloth. Gladly, it was cozy around, and it didn't look like a bad guy's place. Suddenly Mark realized that he was not alone - a dark-haired young lady was sitting right next to him. He recognized the clothing - it was the same person who he met in the desert.

"Had a nightmare? Don't worry, it's alright, you're safe." She said, putting her hand on Mark's shoulder and smiling warmly. "So you did rescue me?.." he asked, less confidently. "Yes, indeed, we never leave a man behind when they're in need of help." Mark planted his head in his palms, and sighed. "Why am I even here? The last thing I remember was- wait, no, not this-" If only you could see the sheer horror on his face right now. Realization came to him, that the nightmare he had, it wasn't just a dream. It really happened to him. "Did I.. Did I die?! I DIED AND NOW I'M IN AFTERLIFE! HOW COULD..." Mark started bashing his hands over his head and growling in grief. He wouldn't see Lisa anymore, wouldn't enjoy some ice cream with her, wouldn't make her happy, wouldn’t know if she would agree to have kids with him... Was she even alive? What if she died too, and soon they'll meet again? But what if there's multiple parallel afterlife worlds? For some reason, Mark's mind decided to stop on this thought and make him suffer more. He could never imagine that he'd cry so hard because of someone, but Lisa was something else, someone way more important to him.

That's why he was in such bad condition. And Mark's savior was just sitting there on the ground, confused as hell, but she still decided to give sobbing Mark a hug. She carefully wrapped her arms around him and brought him closer to herself, then started to pat his head and stroke his hair softly, not trying to verbally calm him down because she knew she just wouldn't be able to do it properly.

After around fifteen minutes of being like that, Mark had fully stopped crying already. He was calming down, but not sane enough yet. The caregiver let go of him, he stood up and stretched his muscles. “So… Guess I’m still alive. I died, but am still alive,strange, isn’t it? A new world… Bullshit. But it’s interesting. I’ve got a whole second life to live, and an absolutely new world which I gotta explore.” Mark stood like that for a few seconds, then looked over at the young lady, who was just sitting there, confused, without making a noise.

Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

"I, Mark Simons, am thankful to you for bringing me here and not leaving me in that hellpot to be dried alive. I am making a promise to myself and you, that I won't make your effort go in vain, won’t give up like a complete coward, and will live through the years I’ll have to be here." He raised his fist, standing in a triumphal pose, but after a few seconds of silence he let it down and sighed, sort of embarrassed.

"Sorry... What's your name though? Already saving each other’s lives and still don't know each other's names. As I've said, my name's Mark." He sat down, and held out his hand for a handshake. The lady gulped and said, "I'm Elisot. This is my home, where I live, sleep and brew potions." Then she shook Mark's hand and smiled, a bit awkwardly. "Elisot, such a nice name…”

“ ...Uhh, do you have a basement or a stable so I can sleep there without taking your personal space? Sorry if I'm being a bother, but I promise this won't last long." - Having theoretical experience, Mark decided to start with what’s really necessary to adapt to this new place. "Well, I doubt anyone else will agree on keeping you, so... Fine, I'll let you stay. But remember, do anything remotely weird or suspicious, and you won't be coming back here ever. And no, don't count on mercy, even though I got you out of the desert. Discipline is what's keeping us alive." She said, with a rather strict voice. "Thank you a lot!" Mark bowed, and took Elisot's hand in both of his. "I promise not to do anything suspicious, and to help you in anything you need. Also, please, I know I'm being a burden but please, help me adapt to this place. I doubt I'll be able to do it alone."

"Fine... I still can't understand anything about you, but okay. I'll be teaching you this island’s norms and places for one month. After that, the chick has to leave momma's nest. Understood?" Mark nodded. "Understood." “Now, have some citrus bliss. It’ll restore some of your strength.” said Elisot, and took a flask from a nearby shelf, which had that exact same citrus-flavored liquid in it, which she offered to Mark back in the desert and gave it to him. He took it, removed the lid and started greedily emptying it into his throat.