If I could go back...I would go back to a time before I met you. So our paths would never meet. So I would never be able to hurt you again.

These were the thoughts in Shei's head as he rushed out of the hospital. His head felt like mush as the voices calling out to him slowly melted away. I can't stay there. Rain poured down onto the streets, water splashing him as he ran through puddle after puddle. I'm sorry. A car honked its horn as Shei dashed across a crosswalk, too dazed to pay proper attention. I didn't want this to happen. His thoughts fueled his rush as the buildings faded away past him. After some time, it occurred to him that he had run into the neighboring forest.

Upon this realization, he finally stopped his panicked fleeing and sat down under a tree. The rain's coming down pretty hard, huh? Even the weather wouldn't give him a break. Taking three deep breaths, he calmed down and wandered some more in search of shelter. After searching with no avail, he eventually came across a clearing. It was a circular area without any trees, with a run-down shack in its center. The hut was half collapsed onto the ground, with no door or windows. Looking very out of place, it appeared as though many years had passed without anyone inhabiting it. Weird. But to him, it didn't matter. Strolling inside, he noticed that the roof was full of holes and didn't help him shield himself from the rain. A bit disappointed that it wouldn't work as a shelter, he turned to leave. However, a glint of light caught his eye and made him turn around.

It was a small statue of a person made of bronze standing in the center of a small fountain. It was dusty and tarnished, but in good shape compared to the state of the shack. Next to it was a worn-out sign saying: "Make a wish! Only three cents! It's simple: Rub the statue, clap your hands, and toss your coins! Make a wish!"

A wish...Well, I certainly have one now. He wasn't too big on things like these, but drastic times called for drastic measures. He walked over to the statue and noticed engravings carved into it. They were strange, swirling symbols, that adorned the figure's robe. Holding the statue, he wondered what would happen to him afterward. It's not going to change anything. Done with that step, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. I must say, three cents is oddly specific. Placing the coins in his palm, he clapped his hands together.

I wish...

The instant those three coins hit the water's surface, they began to emit a bright light. Suddenly, in front of the fountain revealed a shimmering void. It began to swirl, drawing in chunks of wood from the shack. Shei grabbed onto a hook on the wall. "What the-?" he shouted out loud in surprise. The scene could be compared to an act of magic or a sci-fi movie, but it was reality for him. The force pulling on him increased, and he felt the hook break from the wall. He clawed at the wall, but it was futile, and he was pulled into the void.