As the figure disappeared, the scene shattered like glass, and Sam's consciousness returned to his own body.
Sam, in a deep meditative pose with his eyes closed, suddenly felt a quiver in his eyelids. As he remained still, memories from a different realm began to flood his consciousness. His eyes snapped open, and the rush of recollections brought with it an intense wave of pain. He was on the verge of shouting, "Aahhh!," but he quickly clamped his own hand over his mouth, drawing blood.