It was only mid-morning, yet our walk through the bush had Esther and I sweating like proverbial pigs. I was thankful that only my sister had come with me. I didn't know if I could go through the harrowing job of saying goodbye to everyone again. Apart from Mum, the rest had taken the goodbyes fairly well. Christof had managed to return from the hospital in time, armed with many photos of little Nellie. My dad had cried as he'd hugged me. He murmured into my ear all his wishes for Jimin and me: a long life filled with happiness, adventure, and love. I'd had to bite my tongue not to say anything other than a teary 'thank you' and 'I love you'.

Esther and I each carried a handle of the duffle bag, which bobbed and swung between us both. My mind pictured it as an excited little kid who was eager to go on a big adventure to unknown places, which made me giggle.

As I gazed at the bag swaying in the gentle breeze, a mix of emotions stirred within me. One part of me wondered if I would return along this same path after a few hours, my steps retracing the familiar route. Meanwhile, another part of me fretted over the possibility of being whisked away to an entirely different universe, causing my mind to race with uncertainty. Yet, amidst these conflicting feelings, a surge of excitement coursed through me at the thought of reuniting with my one true love once more.

Although I had decided to return to be with Jimin, I felt torn because a piece of my heart would forever remain with my family. This inner conflict made it difficult to determine what my heart's true desire was.

My sister must've known that I was in my head about everything because she kept a running commentary of everything we saw as a distraction. I was thankful she was filling the air with different topics. She was currently reminding me of the Indigenous Dreamtime story of the Glass House Mountain ranges. It was one I had heard many times; I'd always loved it, so I didn't mind listening to the story again.

"According to mythology, Tibrogargan—he's the largest mountain in the area—was the husband of Beerwah. Together, they had many children. Coonowrin was the eldest. Followed by Beerburrum, the Tunbubudla twins, the Coochin twins, Ngungun, Tibberoowuccum, Miketebumulgrai, and Saddleback. We can't forget Round, who was small and fat, as well as Wildhorse, who was always paddling in the sea." As Esther spoke, she was pointing out the different mountains as if I didn't know the names of them.

"The story goes that one day while he was gazing out over the sea, Tibrogargan saw fast-rising water coming from the coast. His wife, Beerwah, was pregnant at the time. Tibrogargan needed help to get his other children to get to safety. So, he called his eldest son, Coonowrin, to take his mother to a safe place. Although, like most teenagers, the boy didn't do that; he only looked after himself.

"When Tibrogargan looked back to check on his wife and son, he saw only Coonowrin. Tibrogargan was furious at his son's actions. So, he ran after his son and clubbed him so hard that it dislodged his neck forever. Once the flood waters subsided, Coonowrin went to apologise to his father. He said that since his mother was much bigger than him, he thought she could look after herself. He did not know Beerwah was pregnant, which was why she was much bigger. In shock, Coonowrin pleaded forgiveness from his father.

"Tibrogargan, hurt by his son's actions, wept many tears, which formed the rivers and streams in the area. He vowed to never forgive Coonowrin, and ended up turning his back on his son so he never had to see him again."

"And that's why they also call it 'Crookneck Mountain'," I said, finishing the Dreamtime story. Even though I had heard that story so many times throughout my life, I was appreciative of the reminder. I had grown up looking over at the Glass House Mountains my whole life. So, it was fitting to see them on a day that might be my last in this universe.

As we trudged along the winding trail, the earth beneath our feet slowly inclined, causing the ascent to become more challenging. The trees towered overhead, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. As we pushed forward, I began feeling the burn in my legs from the increasing slope. Judging by the signs we were following for Currawong Clearing, I knew we were close to the stairs. Each step felt like one closer to my Jiminie and also one further from my life here. I had wanted to say goodbye to my sister as we walked but it was harder than I had ever imagined.

How would I live my life away from someone who has been with me from the moment of conception?

How would I leave the person who is the closest to me?

How would I say goodbye to my twin, the other half of my soul, my best friend?

Instead of answering those questions, I took inspiration from ostriches. I buried my worries deep down in the sand of my soul. But it seemed that Esther was a flamingo and not an ostrich. She was the one who put everything out there like a colourful declaration.

"I know you're struggling with how to say goodbye and that's okay. It's not really goodbye for us though. We share the same soul so wherever you live, I live there too in a space inside you... and vice versa." Esther's huffing breaths during the exercise carried a wave of emotions that resonated with me. I struggled to catch my breath too, mirroring her efforts. Many people asked if we had 'twin powers' but that was a myth. It was now, though, that I wished we did so that I would be able to always feel her presence with me despite being universes apart.

"Out of every person on this earth, I am so lucky to have been sent you as a sister, Bubbles," I stated. It was something I had thought about innumerable times during our lives together. "You inspire me to be a better person and to live life to the fullest. You are so strong but aren't afraid to let people in either. When I was with Jimin, I talked about all of you so many times I think he was getting sick of it," I teased, making her laugh. "But most of my stories I shared were adventures you and I shared or times where you helped me navigate life. I will miss you every second of the day and I will never stop loving you."

Droplets were running down both of our faces—it was hard to work out if they were from sweat or tears. We must've looked like a suspicious sight for anyone passing us. It wasn't every day you saw two women carrying a large, overly stuffed bag between them as they cried. I hoped that no one thought we were trying to dispose of a body; the last thing I needed was to have the cops called and for me to miss the portal.

"You're wrong on one part, Nell. I am luckier because I have you as my sister," she said, halting her steps and forcing me to turn and look at her. "You were the strong one out of us. You were the one who saw the potential in me and made me see it for myself. You softened my harshness and made me more mellow. You showed me that it was okay to be weak at times and that it's human to ask for help. Whoever paired us together to be twins must've known what they were doing. I will be forever grateful to have had you in my life."

I dropped the handle of the duffle bag and pulled Esther into a big bear hug. I didn't care that we were both sweaty and in tears. She was correct. The universe did get one thing right by making us twins. We were better as two and brought out the best in each other. I hated to think what my life might've been like with someone else as my twin.

"I love you," we both said at the same time. We both burst into laughter and then hugged again. After another minute, we pulled apart, grasped a handle each and proceeded down the path. I loved that we could communicate without words; the two of us knew exactly what the other was trying to say.

It only took another 10 minutes or so to find Currawong Clearing. The stairs were still sitting proudly where I had left them a little over three weeks ago. I had no idea how long the portal would be open for, so as soon as we arrived, I got to work getting ready. I knew that I would get sweaty on the walk here, so I had placed another outfit into a bag, along with wet wipes to give myself a sponge bath and some makeup. In case I was transported back to Jimin's universe, I wanted to look good for my boyfriend. I didn't want my sweaty, smelly self to be the first thing he saw when we were reunited. There was also the fact that I would have to wear warm clothes because it would be almost winter there.

I hid behind one of the large trees that shielded me from the eyes of anyone possibly walking past. I made quick work of stripping off my t-shirt and shorts and grabbed out some of the wipes. I sighed in relief at the cooling sensation the damp cleaning sheets provided from the hot day. I threw the used wipes onto the worn clothes and then applied a liberal amount of deodorant.

Out of the bag, I pulled out the long thermal underwear I had bought from one of the outdoor adventure stores. Even though I was currently sweating so much while wearing the long layers, I would be thanking myself later if I was plunged into winter.

It had taken Esther and me a long time to find the perfect outfit for today. Seeing that it was spring/summer in Australia, stores had already removed the cosy winter clothing from their shelves. In their stead, light and colourful outfits for the warmer weather were aplenty. I had managed to find the most beautiful denim-blue knitted cardigan dress on a sales rack in what felt like the millionth store we'd looked at. The colour complimented my fair skin and I loved how soft the thick wool was. Wearing it over a thick pair of leggings and a thin cream jumper with a pair of tan ankle boots, I felt pretty, warm and comfortable.

"Wow, you look hot," Esther laughed as she rounded the tree to check on my progress. I could tell she was thoroughly pleased with her wordplay about my looks and the heat. "You ready, Squish?"

"As I'll ever be. Let's see what's in my heart's desire," I said, more so to myself. While I was packing, I remembered to bring the card with me. I pulled it out of where I'd tucked it away for safekeeping inside a pouch of my backpack and handed it to Esther. The used clothes and wipes were then stuffed into the backpack, which I secured it to my back. Together, Esther and I headed towards the stairs.

Unlike the first time I had gone up the stairs, Esther joined me so she could help me carry the duffle bag up. I turned to my sister, gave her one last hug and promised to think of her constantly before I took the duffle bag off her hands. I slipped its long strap over my shoulders, so it hung across my front. It was uncomfortable but I reminded myself it would only be for a few moments. The thick winter coat I had worn the day I had arrived here was draped over one arm as I held the card with the other.

As my twin started to head down the stairs, I called out, "I love you, Esther. Make sure you have a wonderful life." I heard her utter my words back to me and with glossy eyes, I spoke what I hoped was my heart's deepest desire. That was the last thing I remembered before the world around me changed.