“This isn’t working.” I groan.

  ”No no, it is, just takes a while.” Beth responded.

  ”Really? I’ve been at this for… a few months if I had to guess. No progress has been made.” I said.

  ”Time is nonlinear here, so if you want months of progress. Just think long and hard and you’ll get it.” Beth said.

  ”Really? It’s that easy?” I asked.

  ”Yep, really.” Beth lied.

  I sighed and let go of my focus, the strands fading from view. My mind turning elsewhere, watching seasons pass by. From the icy chill of winter to the calm warmth of spring, the fluid shifted. Then I regained my focus on the strands, hours passed, and yet no more progress was made.

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  ”It… doesn’t take effect immediately though.” Beth sighed.

  ”Should have told me that earlier.” I yelled.

  ”My apologies.” Beth said.

  She then swam closer to me, perhaps to watch my studies. Yet the strands did not change, they did not grow, they seemed to be suspended. Then all at once, they stopped, I stopped. My pulse faded quickly as my eyes darted about, finally landing on Beth. I could see the blood on the beast’s claws as rage seeped into me. Yet I could do nothing against her, for she had won.

  ”Be at peace, with your wife, let this cycle end.” Beth cooed.

  I felt myself sinking as my vision darkened. My hands brushing against those of others. Was this the afterlife, just a mass grave on the sea floor? Yet I brushed aside those questions, in favor of something else. Was I lied to, did that beast trick me? Or did I fool myself?