For years, I immersed myself in fictional stories, letting my entire being get lost in the lives of mystical creatures that appealed to my imaginations. I learned strange theories about realms said to exist beyond this earth. Some were described as breathing universes that were visible only to those who were brave enough to visit. Others were said to be born from the imaginations of writers who wanted to send cold chills down the reader's spine.
My father, who bought these books for me and never failed to praise my love for reading, had no idea that I was doing more than just reading. I was daydreaming. Everyday, I imagined myself stepping into strange universes, meeting terrifying creatures who called my name from afar and challenged me to hunts. I longed for those dreams to come true, but what I didn't realize was that there something waiting for me ahead of time.
It happened on a cold Wednesday evening after I returned from school. I rushed to eat and finish my assignments so I could start reading the next fictional story from the new book my dad had purchased for me. While eating my meal, I heard a loud knock on the door. My parents were not coming home early and the knock did not sound like theirs, so I wondered who it was.
When I opened it, I saw Jade, my childhood friend and neighbor. He was excited but still sounded like he was losing breath. Right there, I knew he must have ran from a long distance to my door.
“Tomi, a wormhole just opened near the playground. Almost everyone has locked themselves indoors.”
“Do you expect me to believe that?” I asked.
“It's not a joke. Some people are outside taking pictures from a distance. Do you want to come?”
“Count me in,” I replied, grabbing my novel, my wristwatch, and a small backpack.
Immediately we got to the playground, I felt a strong breeze sweep across my face and goosebumps covered my skin. Next thing I heard was a violent whirling sound coming from the wormhole. It filled the air and fear gripped me. Jade and I exchanged glances and our eyes told each other that we needed to run back home. But it was too late. Before we could take to our heels, the wind dragged us fiercely and spinned us until we were pulled into the wormhole.
I lost sight of Jade but I could still hear his screams behind me as the tunnel stretched further.
We finally landed in a bleak space with no signs of life. I couldn't even decipher the elements around me. The second thing I noticed was how disorientated I was. My thoughts were all scattered. Even my wristwatch displayed mathematical symbols and languages I could not understand. When I tried to call out to Jade, the force pulled me again and flung me upward. In that state, I beheld some strange creatures with elaborate features floating around me. In panic, I threw my book and backpack towards them and this action provoked them to anger as they prepared to attack me.
I woke up screaming, with sweat dripping down my shirt. That was when I realized it had all been a dream. My daydreams had finally gone too far.
This post is a response to Edition 1 of this week's Sci-Fi Multiverse prompt.
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