dzzthink: Shinji could be referencing Yui here. Misato's appearance after Yui represents her surrogate role as a mother to Shinji. Misato is the only one who shows genuine care and affection for Shinji during these close calls.
UrsusArctos: Misato's surrogate mother role is also depicted visually in Cut 301 when her silhouette initially resembles Yui's.
