Lily

In the tranquil realm of Elysium, Sophia, an angel with emerald-green eyes, received her mission - to guide a soul from Earth to the celestial serenity of Elysium. This was no ordinary soul; it was Lily Thai, a woman whose indomitable spirit had touched thousands in her brave battle against Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

Sophia arrived on Earth, her presence unseen but felt. Flinders Medical Centre was buzzing with quiet activity, its sterile white walls standing in stark contrast to the profound journey that had just taken place within them. Lily had ended her own life under the state’s voluntary assisted dying laws, choosing her exit from the daily pain after a long tourteous battle with dignity.

Sophia entered the room where Lily’s body lay, still as a lake on a windless day. She reached out, and from Lily’s mortal form emerged a light, her spirit, unburdened from the shackles of her ailment. The spirit of Lily looked about, eyes wide with curiosity and wonder.

“Hello, Lily," Sophia greeted, her voice like a gentle breeze on a warm summer's day. “I’m Sophia.”

Lily blinked, looking at the angelic figure. “You’re here to guide me to the afterlife?”

Sophia smiled, nodding. "Indeed. Your bravery has made quite the impression, Lily. Elysium awaits you."

Lily managed a chuckle, despite her circumstances. “I didn’t know heaven had a welcoming committee.”

"Oh, it’s more than that," Sophia replied, a playful twinkle in her eyes. "I'm your tour guide, concierge, and resident comedian. Although, I should warn you, my jokes are heavenly corny.

Despite the novelty of her situation, Lily found herself laughing. That was the magic of Sophia; she was an angel who understood the human spirit, knew how to ease its transition with warmth and laughter.

In the days following, Sophia remained by Lily’s side, preparing her for the next stage of her existence. She spoke of Elysium's endless fields of shimmering wildflowers, rivers flowing with pure, sparkling waters, and skies that held perpetual twilight, a vision that left Lily eager for her journey.

When it was time to depart, Sophia extended her hand to Lily, her green eyes glinting with comforting certainty. "Ready for a little trip, brave one?"

"I am if you're leading the way," Lily replied, her voice steady.

Their departure was like a dance, a graceful ballet across the cosmos. Sophia led Lily along an iridescent path, their forms blurring into streaks of celestial light. Their laughter echoed, intertwining with the harmony of the universe, easing the pain of what was left behind and embracing the beauty of what lay ahead.

Back on Earth, the news of Lily's passing had spread, and the people she'd touched mourned their loss, unaware of the magnificent journey she had embarked on. Meanwhile, Lily and Sophia, two ethereal figures dancing through the cosmos, made their way to Elysium.