At first, there was only oblivion. Soham floated formlessly in a sea of black, feeling distant and detached. Gradually, a pinprick of light appeared, growing steadily brighter. Soham was drawn towards it instinctively.
The light enveloped him, washing away the darkness. He felt himself twisting and compressing. A sudden shock of cold washed over his body. Disoriented, Soham tried to make sense of the blurred shapes and muffled sounds around him.
Why did he feel so strange and confined? He attempted to move and quickly realized he couldn't. Panicking, he tried to call out but only a shrill cry escaped his lips.
The blurred shapes surrounding Soham came into focus - giants towering above him on all sides. He was nestled in soft blankets, held gently by massive hands. Confusion mounted until a warm, comforting voice broke through the chaos.
"Welcome, little one. We've waited for you."
The giant holding him had flowing hair, kind eyes, and a beatific smile. Recognition stirred in Soham's groggy mind - this was his new mother.
His tiny fingers clung tightly to her. He was safe. Soham's vision was still cloudy, but he discerned tears of joy shining on the giants' faces. More mammoth hands reached out to caress him with awe and devotion.
A large man with a bushy beard leaned down and gently kissed Soham's tiny forehead. "Our son," he murmured lovingly.
Our son...My son. The words filtered slowly into Soham's consciousness. He had crossed over fully into this new world and life. A profound sense of hope and possibility filled him. His journey had only just begun.