The next few minutes went by in absolute silence and seemed to drag on forever. Without Peter’s dimensional bridge establishing a better connection between the two realities, even the clock’s ticking was gone.

Tina walked into the light but stood beneath the doorframe staring out into the world. She lifted her foot a couple of times to take a step but then placed it back down in hesitation without exiting the house.

Garjian and Ferikan tightened their jaws, held their breath, and peered. Shevi stood next to Tina, her tail wagging.

Tina tightened her fists and stared at the world beyond her front door. “What do you say, girl? How about we go for a walk?”

Shevi replied in a single powerful bark.

Tina took a heavy, confident and determined step forward. She exited the house and disappeared into the world.

Ferikan and Garjian stayed behind since their mission was completed, finalising their report before submitting it to the data analysts.

“Will Tina follow Peter?” Ferikan asked as she moved around the room aimlessly, contemplating the events she had witnessed.

“What do you mean?” Garjian replied without lifting his head from his tablet.

“I think you were right, Garjian. Those two were soulmates, and if I remember correctly, their hypothesis states that they always find each other. So I’m wondering if Tina will now follow Peter to wherever he went.”

“Based on their hypothesis and the data we’ve collected, it’s not unusual for soulmates to spend time apart, Ferikan. Days, weeks, months, years, decades, sometimes even centuries, but they always find each other in the end. However, I believe Tina will not follow Peter for now. She has other responsibilities that demand she stays behind for at least two decades,” Garjian looked at what he had written one last time before giving it to Ferikan. “Here, sign this so I can submit it.”

“What kind of responsibilities?” Ferikan began reading Garjian’s report. “Wait,” she paused and stared at Garjian, “You’re requesting that we follow Tina around? What for? Not to keep your promise to Peter, I hope?”

“There’s more to Peter and Tina’s story, and we need to record it all.”

Ferikan stared back in silence. What more is there?

“Tina’s pregnant,” Garjian said with a smile.

Ferikan signed the request and pressed send. She would never pass on the opportunity to witness the birth of a new Infinite or the possible rebirth of one.