Initially there was nothing, neither time nor space. Then, I appeared and everything came to be.

My senses are clear, sharper than they´ve ever been. They always were. Still, the world around me is in a state of blur, all and nothing seem to coalesce. I probably could discern the matter if I were to focus, but the notion of focusing never once occurred to me. Why should I when all is as it always was?

I see myself resting on the ground in an unknown confinement, sunshine tickles my face. I´m bored. Rising, I start moving to exit my home. Before that though, I need to finish my business. This park was once owned by my ancestors, but now our property has been captured. It is my duty to regain it. I look up to engrave the vision of the culprit into my eyes, bathing in the radiance of full moon. It is riding the only main attraction: A roller coaster built inside an over-sized booth. The rails are scattered closely throughout it, almost in contact with each other as if they could crash at any point. But don´t worry, this place is safe.

Quickly I climb into one of the carts and catapult away. The security system activates as the grass around me expands into green tentacles and tries to restore the stolen cart, but did you really think I´d allow myself to be caught by my own possession?

Shortly after I jump out of the cart and find myself swimming along space. Substances shimmer around me in various colors. Unfortunately, this doesn´t help with my orientation, I am lost. “Excuse me, kind sir!” I suddenly exclaim, “Would you so kindly show me the way to the surface?” The figure leans out of its apple and turns around. It joyously nods as it extends its index finger. “Thank you very much!”. I follow as directed.

After four thrusts of my legs I finally emerge out of the depths of the ocean. In the far distance I recognize my parents. Excitedly I jump and leap towards them. It takes a while, but shortly after I arrive in their arms, hugging them tightly: “Mom, Dad! I´ve missed you! Where have you been?” I smile at them. They return my smile, speaking in a calming voice: “We´ve been here, as we always were, waiting for you. But now you should hurry, the Admiral is already expecting you”. I look them in the eyes, nodding. “Yes” Are the only words that leave my mouth as I advance closer to the space ship. As the ship leaves earth my parents wave me goodbye, I wave back.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Time passes, an extraordinary, tremendous amount of time, though I don´t perceive it. I was assigned to train myself into a warrior, but nothing happened. Due to an unexpected emergency I had to return to earth immediately. The exit to the shuttle opens as I take in a deep breath to calm my agitation. Before I manage to take a step an ice cold metal hand pats my shoulder. I turn my head to see the Admiral standing behind me, giving me a reassuring bow of his head. I turn, straighten my back and salute: “It has been an honor! Admiral!”, he, and his crew behind him, too salute back at me. I take my first step, then continue to march onward. The ship´s complement bids me a final farewell and resumes to their final mission.

I run, sprint excitedly to greet everyone. But they are not around, nowhere to be found. A realization hits me – close to 200 years have passed on earth ever since I left. My eyes go wide as I attempt to deny reality. Slowly I pass the once vivid streets, now destroyed and crumbled, decaying. The once frequented park is now empty, dipped in the shade of the sunset. It feels like yesterday that children played in the now shattered ruins, I feel tears streaming down my face. Wiping them away I nevertheless continue on.

On a bench, not too far but not too close either, I see a lone person sitting. As I approach I recognize the person as my grandma. She´s just sitting there, looking into the beautiful distance. “Grandma! I´m so glad to see you!” I hug her tightly, “Where is everyone?” I ask in a weeping voice. She´s slightly surprised, but comfortingly returns my hug. “A long time has passed since their paths were intertwined with the unknown void” she says in a serene voice “You treading your own way may have been a spark of fortune, as it enabled you to escape”. I look up at her and she looks down at me “B-But… what does that mean?” I stutter. She embraces me deeper into her arms, her eyes seem apologetic, but why? “I am sorry, my child. My own time nears the end. But please know, we will always be with you”. She unravels herself out of the hug and steps forward, treading towards the sun. As she does a bright light encompasses her as she begins vanishing. She disappears, as everybody else had, as the world around me starts to disappear too.

– – –

I wake up. I slowly get up, then stretch myself. I feel refreshed. That was a great rest, but no dreams today either, huh? How long has it been since I last dreamed? Suddenly I feel something on my cheek as I wipe it away. Water, no a tear? Weird. Giving it no more attention than that I start another day