Chapter 8 : End and back to start
As the vortex of light dissipated, leaving me sprawled on the floor of my bedroom, a mix of relief and trepidation washed over me. The familiar scent of my surroundings embraced me, and I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Was it all just a bad dream? I wondered, my mind teetering between reality and the remnants of the desolate world I had left behind.
As I sat up, a wave of confusion washed over me. There was no pain. The torment that had plagued me in that other realm was now gone. I marveled at the sight of my arm, whole and unscathed, no trace of the gruesome injury that had torn it apart. A wide grin stretched across my face as the joy of my newfound wholeness consumed me.
"Hah! I guess losing a limb is a piece of cake when you've got your own personal time warp ," I chuckled to myself, reveling in the absurdity of it all.
I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, searching for any signs of the wounds that had marred my body. To my astonishment, not a mark remained. It was as if the ordeal had never happened. The relief that washed over me was palpable, and I couldn't help but crack three jokes in quick succession, my laughter echoing through the room.
With a renewed sense of vigor, I discarded the makeshift bandages and took out the piece of of gold jwell and hid it in the room so no one will find out . After that I treated myself to a refreshing shower. Dressed in fresh clothes, I ventured to the kitchen, my hunger gnawing at me after the ordeal I had endured. I filled three glasses with water, downing them one after another, quenching my thirst. I rummaged through the fridge, grabbing a sandwichs and some leftover from dinner, devouring it with gusto.
As I returned to my room, a sudden realization struck me—why was it still nighttime? I had spent at least 17 hours in that godforsaken world; it should be evening by now. Perplexed, I glanced at my phone, hoping for an explanation.What I saw shocked me it was still 12:30 in night of the same day I left when I left it was nearly 11:50 and it took me half and hour to freshen up and eating food this means time in this world slowed down while I was in that God forsaken real (I named the world I was in )Wow that's amazing this orb can even bend time itself.
My mind whirled with thoughts and emotions, processing the implications of this discovery. It meant that every harrowing moment, every second of agony and fear, had been contained within a mere fraction of time in reality. I couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy seep into my heart. How could a world so desolate and cruel have held me captive for what felt like an eternity(actually nearly 17 hours), while here, time remained stagnant?
With a heavy heart, I made a decision. I retrieved the orb and locked it away in a secure safe, vowing to never lay hands on it again. The thought of returning to that world, with all its perils and darkness, filled me with a profound dread. It was a chapter of my life that I had to close, for my own sanity and well-being.
As the night wore on, and the darkness outside persisted, I lay in bed, the weight of my experiences bearing down on me. The fear of ever being drawn back to that forsaken realm, the inner turmoil that had consumed me, and the overwhelming desire to lead a normal life all coalesced within me.
In the end, I decided to cherish the newfound peace and security of my own world. The orb remained tucked away, its secrets locked behind a steel door, serving as a reminder of a chapter that had come to an end. I resolved to move forward, embracing the reality that was mine to live, and leaving behind the haunting echoes of the otherworldly realm I had left behind.
As I navigated through the day, I engaged in small talk with friends and acquaintances, putting on a facade of normalcy. Deep down, however, I carried the weight of my secret, the scars that remained unseen. There were moments when the memories of that otherworldly realm would resurface, threatening to engulf me once more. But I pushed them aside, determined not to let the darkness consume me.
Life continued its relentless march forward, and I strived to find a semblance of peace amidst the chaos. I threw myself into my studies and hobbies, seeking solace in the familiar rhythms of everyday existence.
Yet, there were moments when I would catch myself gazing at the locked safe, contemplating the mysteries that lay within. The temptation to unlock its secrets tugged at me, whispering promises of power and knowledge. But I resisted, reminding myself of the horrors I had witnessed and the toll it had taken on my mind and body.
As time went on, the memories of that desolate world began to fade. The wounds, emotional wounds, slowly healed, leaving behind scars that served as a constant reminder of my resilience. I found strength in knowing that I had overcome the darkness, emerging from the abyss with newfound wisdom and a deeper appreciation for the fragility of life.
Occasionally, I would come across news articles or stories that hinted at similar otherworldly experiences. It was as if there were threads connecting the realms, hidden from the eyes of most but visible to those who had walked the treacherous path. I couldn't help but wonder about the others who had stumbled upon the orbs or something similar and the trials they had faced.
But I resisted the urge to seek them out, recognizing the dangers that lurked within the unknown. Instead, I focused on building a life filled with joy, purpose, and the connections that grounded me in the present.
In time, the locked safe and the orb within it became a distant memory. It remained untouched, a relic I had chosen to leave behind. The world moved on, and so did I, embracing the beauty and imperfections of the present, knowing that I had conquered a darkness that most would never comprehend.
After completing my final exams with top honors in mathematics, I was accepted into a prestigious university located outside the city. Excitement and anticipation coursed through me as I packed my belongings, preparing to embark on this new chapter of my life. As I gathered my things, my eyes fell upon the safe and the jwell I hid in the corner of the room.
A flicker of hesitation passed through me as I stared at the orb,I decided to take both with me as I didn't wanted my parents to find the orb and to get teleportated to that god forsaken realm and getting injured only having such a thought sent chill down my spine I can't let my parents get hurt.
With a mix of excitement and trepidation, I bid farewell to my parents at the train station. The train ride was long, but atlast I reached University and got a small dorm to live for next three years what followed was an hectic day of cleaning the room and unpacking my stuff .
In the quiet solitude of my dorm room, I found myself drawn to the bag that held the orb. Its presence seemed to whisper to me, enticing me with promises of untold possibilities. I wrestled with my inner demons, the rational part of me warning of the dangers that lay within, while the insatiable curiosity within me urged me to explore the unknown once more.
Unable to resist any longer, I reached for the bag and took out the orb With trembling hands, its cool surface sending shivers down my spine and again a year old question resurfaced what should I dream about.
To be continued...
//Authors note //
Hey there readers!
I am back your one and only a god with a pen whatever I wanted to ask reader if you want to see ryan dreams described in details or just a journal outline of what happened in his dream like in first chapter comment down below if you want or not otherwise I will write without or maybe with details depending on my mood.
Did you enjoy the this chapter? Let me know in the comments! Your feedback fuels my writing and helps me craft the best story possible.
Stay tuned for more excitement in "Dreambound." We're just getting started!
Thanks for reading