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Balanced on the line, he told her again, "Put it down!"

"Come on, then," she said, impishly.

"I can't. You know I can;''t cross the line. I'll have to go back."

"Why?"

It's just how it works. It's a liminal space. I'll explain if you put the book down and step away."

She looked baffled, then nervous. "I can't! It's stuck to me."

On no! "Then bring it to me. Quickly. Please."

"What's happening." Her voice was flat, lacking timbre. She was fading and I couldn't get to her. I only had seconds.

"Stay where you end up. Don't move. I'll come and get you, I promise.! It was too late. The words wouldn't have got through by the time she misted out of existence. I had promised, but could I get to her? I had no choice. Damn my slow wits!. I stepped across the line into chaos and horror. .