Chapter 2: The Choice

[Salah's POV – The White Void]

The white void stretched endlessly in every direction, a blank canvas of infinite space. Salah stood there, his mind reeling from the surreal experience of death and the sudden transition to this strange, ethereal place. The calm voice that had spoken to him still echoed in his mind, its tone soothing yet authoritative.

???: "You have lived a life of sacrifice, child of man. A life dedicated to healing others, yet marked by personal suffering. Karma has taken note of your deeds, and now you stand at a crossroads."

Salah frowned, his thoughts swirling. A crossroads? What does that even mean? He had always been a man of science, grounded in the tangible and the real. This—whatever this was—felt like something out of a dream. Or a nightmare.

Salah: hesitant "Who are you? And what do you mean by a crossroads?"

The voice responded, its tone patient and kind.

???: "I am a guide, a keeper of the balance between life and death. You have passed from your world, but your journey is not yet complete. I offer you a choice: eternal peace in heaven, where you will be reunited with those you have lost, or rebirth in a new world, where you will be granted powers beyond your imagination."

Salah's breath caught in his throat. Rebirth? Powers? The idea was both thrilling and terrifying. He had spent his entire life as a healer, bound by the limitations of medicine and the fragility of the human body. The thought of wielding true power—magic, even—was almost too much to comprehend.

Salah: softly "What kind of powers?"

???: "That is for you to decide. You may choose any ability, any gift, and it will be yours in this new world. But choose wisely, for your decision will shape your destiny."

Salah's mind raced. He thought of all the patients he had lost, the lives he couldn't save despite his best efforts. He thought of his sister, Nora, whose death had haunted him for years. If he could have had the power to heal her, to truly heal her, would things have been different?

Salah: firmly "I want the power to heal. Not just medicine, but true healing. The ability to save lives without limits, to cure any illness, to mend any wound."

There was a pause, as if the voice was considering his request.

???: "A noble choice. But know this: such power comes with great responsibility. To heal is to bear the weight of life and death, to make choices that will shape the fate of others. Are you prepared for that burden?"

Salah didn't hesitate.

Salah: "I've carried that burden my entire life. I'm ready."

The voice seemed to smile, though Salah couldn't see its form.

???: "Very well. Your wish is granted. But there is more. Your sister, Nora… would you like her to join you in this new life?"

Salah's heart skipped a beat. Nora? She's here?

Before he could respond, a figure materialized before him. She was just as he remembered her—young, vibrant, with a smile that could light up a room. Her eyes sparkled with warmth and mischief, and for a moment, Salah felt like he was back in their childhood home, sitting at the kitchen table while she teased him about his latest crush.

Nora: softly "Salah? Is that you?"

Tears welled up in Salah's eyes as he stepped forward, his arms outstretched.

Salah: choking up "Nora… I'm so sorry. I couldn't save you."

Nora hugged him tightly, her presence a balm to his wounded soul.

Nora: gently "You idiot. It wasn't your fault. I've been at peace in heaven, but I'm glad I got to see you again."

They stood there for what felt like an eternity, holding each other as the weight of years of grief and guilt slowly lifted from Salah's shoulders. When they finally pulled apart, Nora looked at him with a mixture of pride and sadness.

Nora: smiling "Look at you. All grown up and still trying to save the world."

Salah laughed, the sound foreign to his own ears.

Salah: "Someone has to."

Nora's expression turned serious.

Nora: "This new life… are you sure this is what you want? You've already given so much. Don't you deserve to rest?"

Salah shook his head.

Salah: "I've spent my entire life trying to make up for not being able to save you. This… this is my chance to do it right. To truly make a difference."

Nora sighed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Nora: "You always were too stubborn for your own good. But if this is what you want, then I support you. Just promise me one thing."

Salah: softly "Anything."

Nora placed a hand on his cheek, her touch warm and comforting.

Nora: "Promise me you'll live for yourself this time. Not just for others. Find happiness, Salah. You deserve it."

Salah nodded, his throat too tight to speak.

Salah: "I promise."

Nora smiled, her form beginning to fade.

Nora: "Then go, brother. Make me proud."

As she disappeared, Salah felt a surge of determination. He turned to the voice, his resolve unwavering.

Salah: "I'm ready."

The voice responded, its tone filled with approval.

???: "Very well. Your journey begins now."

A glowing orb appeared before Salah, pulsing with a soft, golden light. It floated toward him, merging with his chest in a burst of warmth. The last thing he heard before the void consumed him was the voice's final words.

???: "Remember, child of man: true power lies not in the ability to heal, but in the courage to choose who to save."