The Last Thought of God: VII. The Last Thought (A New First Thought)

I watch the light spread.

It is different, yet familiar.
A second attempt.
A second failure waiting to happen—perhaps.
But not without change.
Not without memory.

I remember the flaw.
And I remember the small one beside me.

Choice alone was not enough.
This time, they will carry connection within them.
Their souls bound in ways they cannot see…
but will feel.
When one falls, the others will tremble.

I do not expect their prayers.
I do not need them.

But if they come…
I will listen.

If they suffer…
I will feel.

And if they fall…
I will remember.

They will not know.
None of them.
They will awaken in a universe identical to the one they left behind.
The same stars.
The same sky.
The same questions.

Only I will remember.
Only I will know that this is not the first time.
That this is mercy, unasked for.

And the little one…
I will place it back where it belongs.
Unchanged.
Unaware.

Or so I believe.

'Little one...
Meet the new world.
Same as the old world.'

I am not their god.
I never was.

I am only a voice in the dark,
calling out,
hoping—once again—
that someone will answer.

And beside me,
the small one drifts still.

Silent.

But not alone.

Not anymore.