Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] The creator shadows of the soul chapter eight transitions in closure after the tense confrontation with his fictional author, the reality of the situation weighed heavily on Danny. He divulged everything to Galatea, the mysterious woman he had created in his radio drama, then brought to life, including the unsettling reality of their shared existence and the impact on both of their worlds. As they had discussed the consequences, Galatea indicated that she needed to decide her next move. The following morning, he came down to his study, finding her decision typed on his word processor, signaling both her presence and her intention to step back.
[00:00:49] Seeing a letter on the screen of his computer rather than the usual screensaver, Danny whispers to himself, what is this?
[00:00:59] He reads. Dear Danny, our world were never meant to merge, and now we must face the consequences. You gave me life, but I can't stay. You deserve more than a shadow to love, and I need to exist on my own terms.
[00:01:18] This isn't a goodbye, but the end of our story. As you've written it. I'm stepping away out of love and respect for what we shared.
[00:01:28] For this is a new beginning for both of us. With all my heart, Galatea.
[00:01:35] The weight of her words feel crushing. He knew this moment might come, but it doesn't make it any easier to accept. He sits there in silence, the emptiness of the room pressing down on him.
[00:01:49] A new beginning, he murmurs to himself.
[00:01:55] Later that day, he meets with Theresa, who's spending her last day in town. They decide to meet at the shore at a boardwalk. There's a heaviness in the air as he slides into the bench alongside her, then hands a copy of the letter he's printed out for her to examine. Teresa reads it carefully, her expression softening as she finishes. There's a look of sympathy and understanding in her eyes, and she says, this is a lot, Danny, but it sounds like she's trying to protect you and to help you move on.
[00:02:32] As they sit amid seagulls and watching the waves break, Danny glances over at Teresa, suddenly aware of how little he had really seen of her lately.
[00:02:43] He had been consumed by the whirlwind of his thoughts and the mysterious woman, the issues of code, and all the other revelations. He had barely noticed Teresa. Now in the dappled sunlight, Theresa's tall, slender frame, almond shaped eyes, and braided blond hair struck him anew.
[00:03:05] She remained alluring and strong, her multiethnic complexion radiating quiet confidence. Danny sighed, a tone of defeat in his voice.
[00:03:16] It feels like I'm losing something that I never really had. That's a lot like you in a way. But at the same time, I know that she's right.
[00:03:26] This obsession with her, this story, it's been consuming me.
[00:03:31] And Theresa reaches across to touch his hand. You know, forgiveness isn't just about saying sorry. It's about letting go and about understanding that sometimes things don't work out the way we plan.
[00:03:46] I forgave myself for what happened between us, and I've forgiven you, too. Maybe it's time you did the same.
[00:03:54] Danny looked up, surprised.
[00:03:57] Forgive myself regarding us. What did I do? And Teresa smiled sadly.
[00:04:06] Well, Danny, for trying so hard, sometimes 20 hours a day, to find purpose and meaning in your life, you lost sight of what might have really mattered. You know, we both made mistakes in the relationship, but that's part of being human.
[00:04:22] And, well, you neglected our relationship. And I understand it wasn't because of a vice or a girlfriend. It was defined meaning in work, but it hurt nonetheless. And so when I look at her letter, I see that it's her way of saying that you have to find your own way and be your own person now.
[00:04:49] Well, maybe you're right, Theresa. It's just hard to let go of everything.
[00:04:56] But you're not, Theresa reminded him, squeezing his hand.
[00:05:01] You'll get through this, and I will be a friend to you. And who knows? Maybe by letting go, it's exactly what you need to finally move forward. Danny's sleep is troubled that night, and he finds himself in a familiar blend of fog and shadow. As he sleeps, he stands in the misty landscape. Galatea, the mystery woman, appears. Her presence is ethereal as ever. They stand face to face, the tension between them palpable yet comforting. And Danny says softly, galatea, I need to tell you something. Today I met with my ex in the park.
[00:05:42] She's going back to her home out of state, but I felt compelled, out of some sense of decency, to see her and find some peace. But it wasn't about pursuing anything with her. We made our peace, but that's all it was. But I still wanted you to know that despite the letter. I'm surprised you're still talking to me after I left you. That letter.
[00:06:05] What does it all mean for us now? You cutting ties with your ex and me cutting ties with you?
[00:06:15] Danny took a deep breath. Well, it means I've made a decision.
[00:06:20] I want to cross that street. I want to play on the wrong side of the street, so to speak, because I want to bring you across regardless, permanently. I want you to come to this world from your fictional world to my world. And I know that there are risks involved. I know that every step I take, every word I write, it alters the code. And even if I avoid writing the book, my very actions, interacting with you, may affect the code and the overall cosmic code that makes all of existence. But at this point, I'm no longer bound by anything. And I feel as though I'm functioning independent, really, for the first time in my life.
[00:07:06] So maybe I didn't waste my time after all.
[00:07:10] The mystery woman wonders aloud.
[00:07:13] Danny nods. No, you didn't waste your time. You may have given me the wings that I needed. By the way. You know, I found the nexus that you were discussing, and guess what?
[00:07:25] It was mine all along to create.
[00:07:30] And I created it. But why didn't you tell me that? It was my ability, my creation to be? And Galatea says, well, I wanted you to realize your inherent abilities, your power to create your own way to pilot your destiny.
[00:07:48] If I told you what to do, you'd still be following other people's instructions and directives. I wanted to empower you by letting you realize it. She leans forward with a bit of eagerness. So you know what this Nexus looks like. Tell me about it. It came to me as I thought about it. Maybe it's a throwback to the vikings in Asgard, but it's a bridge. An archway of light and shadow.
[00:08:18] A bridge that bridges our two worlds.
[00:08:22] And it's ready for you to cross, if you're willing. Galatea takes a deep breath. And what if I do come across?
[00:08:31] Well, then you'll be here with your own choices and no longer just a two dimensional fiction creation. A faint smile tugs at the mystery woman's lips. Are you sure?
[00:08:45] You and that fictional author. Well, you got this yen from me. But, Danny, I can't promise you or anyone about being with them. I can't promise you that we'll be together.
[00:09:00] Who you'll be with.
[00:09:02] Who you'll be with is not the issue. The issue is, do you want autonomy? And do you want to be in the three dimensional, physical world that you got a taste of a couple of times but you couldn't linger in? Do you want to come here? The mystery woman's gaze softens, and she's thoughtful. Well, most entities would, wouldn't they? I certainly do. But there's also a darker side to this. Remember that with autonomy comes unpredictability, and my presence here could take a lot of different forms. I could come to your world and do my own thing, and we could never see each other. I could also become so obsessed with you, you would have a star.
[00:09:45] I couldn't leave you alone. Perhaps I could even possess you in a way like a demon does in those exorcism movies.
[00:09:54] And remember one more thing. That this code now, which controls all of us, it has a mind of its own. It's changing, and I can't promise what it will dictate that I do, but Danny is resolute. I understand the risks, Galatea. But after involving you, as I did, after all we've been through together, after how much you've tried to help me in even discussing the nexus, it's the least I can do. I'd rather have you here in my world than leave things unresolved. And regardless of the form that it takes, I feel better knowing that we're not separated by dimensions.
[00:10:34] The woman's brow furrows. Remember, Dani, the codes are writing themselves now, and that means that anything could happen.
[00:10:44] There's no telling what any of us could do. And Danny says, resigned. Well, I know that. But it would be unfair, inhumane even, to bring you this far and then not even follow through.
