WALLACE GARRET

I slowly opened my eyes as the sun filtered through the curtains. I lay in my own bed, the sheets tangled around me. I sat up and rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of the dream that I had seen last night. I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of my stomach.

"What a strange dream."

I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood up, stretching out the knots in my back. The dream had felt so real, like a warning or a premonition. I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was trying to tell me something, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on what.

As I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my tired face, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of despair wash over me. The dream had felt so real, like a window into a different life, one that was full of excitement and adventure. But now that I was awake, it all seemed like a distant memory, a fleeting glimpse into a world that was out of reach.

"Well, a dream is a dream," I said with a sigh, my voice heavy with disappointment. "Let’s get going and repeat the cycle of this boring life!"

As I rummaged through my closet, looking for something to wear, I absently switched on the TV. The news was on, and I listened half-heatedly as the anchor droned on about the latest developments.

"This is the fourth time this phenomenon has occurred," the anchor said, a serious expression on her face. "People are reporting that they witnessed a huge pillar of white light rising up from the ground until it reached the skies, and then the pillar diminished to nothing soon after. This whole phenomenon lasts for a span of two to three minutes."

"Scientists are still trying to understand what could be causing this unusual occurrence," the anchor continued. "Some believe it could be a natural phenomenon, while others suspect it could be something more sinister. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available."

I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease wash over me as I listened to the news. What could be causing this strange occurrence? And more importantly, what did it mean for the future?

It's not my thing to worry about; I have worse things to do. I reminded myself

I couldn’t shake the feeling that my life was missing something and that I was meant for something more. But I didn’t know what it was or how to find it. So I tried to push those thoughts to the back of my mind as I got dressed and headed out the door.

It was just another day of the same old routine. After finishing up at college, I made my way back home. I trudged up the steps to my house, my backpack feeling heavy on my shoulders. It had been another long day at college, filled with lectures and assignments. All I wanted was to crash on my couch and watch some TV.

But as I reached the top of the stairs, I remembered that I had a more pressing task to take care of. The basement hadn’t been tended to since my grandfather passed away, and as a result, it had become infested with rats. They seemed to have established their own kingdom down there, and every night they sent envoys to disturb my sleep. I couldn’t take it anymore.

I sighed and unlocked the front door, bracing myself for the mess that I was about to face. The smell hit me first—musty and rank. I wrinkled my nose in disgust and made my way down the creaky steps, flipping on the light switch as I went.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

The basement was a disaster. Cobwebs covered every inch of the ceiling, and boxes were stacked haphazardly in every corner. And in the centre of it all, a rat the size of a small cat sat lazily on its haunches, staring at me with beady eyes.

I groaned and reached for my broom, determined to take back control of my own home. It was going to be a long night.

***

I stood back and surveyed the basement with a sense of accomplishment. It was amazing what a few hours of cleaning could do. The cobwebs were gone, the boxes were organised, and the rats had been chased off. It was like a completely different space.

As I was about to head back upstairs, something caught my eye. It was a small box, tucked away in the corner behind a stack of old newspapers. I had never noticed it before, and I was curious to see what was inside.

I pulled the box out and dusted it off, surprised to see that it was old but clean. It was obviously well taken care of, and I had a feeling that it belonged to my grandfather.

I lifted the lid and peered inside, my curiosity piqued. The box was filled with an assortment of interesting items: a faded old photo of a young couple, a letter written in cramped, spidery handwriting, an envelope, and a small silver watch.

I opened the envelope and found a number written on the page with a message above it.

If you ever wish to come back,

Strange, I thought. Was it a message from one of his old lovers? A giggle escaped from my mouth. Curiosity rose, and I tried to dial the number on my phone. It was ringing, but no one was picking it up. As I thought that the call would end, someone answered it.

"Who is it?" A female voice asked

"Pardon me, I was going through my late grandpa’s things when I spotted this number. There was also a note above it. Out of curiosity, I called this number." I answered.

"I see. Can I ask what your grandfather’s name is?" She inquired, to which I responded, "It was Dexter Garret, and I am his grandson, Wallace Garret."

"Wait for a second," she answered in a voice that conveyed her surprise and excitement. After a short while, another person chimed in with the amusing comment, "I didn't know the bastard had a family."

It was an old man’s voice; he would likely be a little younger than my grandfather at this time if he hadn’t passed away in a car accident.

"He was my adoptive grandfather. He had no children." I said

"So that is the situation. Wallace, Do you know what your granddad did for a living?" He inquired. "He was a retired cop," I answered.

"So he didn’t tell you anything." He said. The man spoke in a hushed tone. This caught my attention.

"I don’t comprehend. Did he have something to hide from me?" I asked with a hint of interest.

"That, lad, I am unable to tell you. In any case, there isn’t anything to discuss right now." I could see he was about to disconnect as he responded.

I had a gut feeling that if I didn’t stop him now, something very bad would occur. "Please, wait," I said, desperation creeping into my voice. "I have to know more. Was my grandfather hiding something from me? What was he involved in?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and then the old man spoke again, his voice laced with caution. "I understand your curiosity, lad, but some things are better left in the past. Your grandfather wanted you to have a normal, safe life, and I suggest you respect his wishes."

He then proceeded to cut the call.

I screamed, feeling the rage and anguish rising up inside of me: "Normal life, what a load of bullshit. I detest this way of life. The same thing happens every day, and it will never end until I pass away and turn into a drop in the vast ocean! In the forest, a leaf! Nobody will recall me!"

"Do you detest your present situation?" From my phone, which was set down on the table, the elderly man responded. He didn’t end the conversation, and I heard myself talking before I recognised it.

"Do you have any connections to the outside world, such as friends?" He shouted louder.

I retorted in an irritated tone, "I don’t have any friends, nor anything that makes me attached to this circus of a planet."

His voice was so high that it hurt my ears, even on the phone, to ask, "Do you have the resolve to leave comforts and travel into the unknown?"

I was unsure of how to reply, so I paused. On the one hand, it was thrilling and enticing to consider leaving behind my routine and comfortable existence and travelling into the unknown. On the other side, it was frightful as well. What if I mess up? What if I wasn’t able to manage it?

But there was only a brief moment of indecision. I answered with a confident voice, "Yes, I do."

The old man continued seriously, "Pack your stuff and get ready to witness a world that will make you wish you could return to the life you are leaving behind."