My Entry to 's Finish The Fiction Story Contest
"It's time," The figure spoke softly as it placed a hand firmly on the elderly man's shoulder...
There was something about it's presence that was instantly calming, as he closed his eyes once more, preparing for the sudden incoming tide to sweep him away to his next place in time. He did not fear, for he had lived through it all many times, and would many times again. He had learnt not to fear the unknown, but to embrace it. For it was the unknown that bought him his only sense of joy.
When his eyes fluttered open, he became aware of the sensation of falling, hard and fast. Slaming his eyes shut again and bracing himself for the fall, he was surprised when the impact never hit. He dared to peek, to witness the most extraordinary sight his time on this solar system had ever granted him. He was suspended in a stream of space and time, he could not move or feel, all he could do was open or close his eyes. Even his mind felt trapped in suspension, from the inside out it felt like he was being swallowd by the universe itself.
Remembering back to the days long before this all started seemed to be the only thing that bought peace apon his mind at this particular time. The time when he was free to life his life as he pleased, to experience what it meant to be human. To love, enjoy, repel and feel. The only word he could use to describe how this whole situation had made him feel was numb.
He didn't know how much time had passed, he never did. All he knew was that his time in this periling existance was coming to an end. He had outspent his years a long time ago, any time spent now was nothing more than a wasted opportunity. It wasn't productive in any way, and he had lost everyone he cared for way before his torment started.
Her eyes shot open as her feet touched the ground of this timeline for the first time. She reached her arm out and took a long hard look.
"Oh, I haven't been one of these for a while." She thought to herself as she checked out her surroundings.
"Are you ready?" The figure emerged from the enchanted woodland, asking with a judging glare. "This is your last chance."
She tilted her dainty head to the side, taking in a deep breath and appreciating the pine smell emcompassing her.
"I was ready 50 years ago." She announced, bravely taking her first steps through the light, into her new world.
Truth is she didn't know what this time round would bring. But she didn't care. She had been given another chance. And this time, it was going to work.
Image licensed under creative commons public domain.