Outer space -
Far beyond the reach of human vision, a cosmic event unfurled in the depths of space.
A star, collapsing upon itself, erupted into a powerful supernova, sending waves of energy rippling across the universe.
This explosion of light and energy, unleashed across countless light-years, traveled relentlessly, undeterred by time or distance.
By the time it approached our solar system, the energy had diminished, but its effects were still potent.
Passing through the asteroid belt, the beam of supernova light brushed against a human-sized asteroid.
As the beam collided with it, something remarkable occurred: a strange reaction ignited, causing the asteroid to glow a brilliant golden hue.
Pulsing with newfound energy, the asteroid was jolted onto a new trajectory—one that sent it hurtling straight toward Earth.
Accelerating with incredible speed, the asteroid streaked toward Earth, its surface now wreathed in an intense blue flame.
Earth's gravity pulled it even faster, propelling it toward the planet's surface. Within seconds of entering the atmosphere, the asteroid began to disintegrate, breaking into countless particles of raw, glowing energy.
These fragments continued their descent, streaking toward a specific city below.
Unbeknownst to everyone, the fragments aimed themselves directly toward a lone figure sitting in a deserted park: Adam.
[1.4 seconds remaining on impact]
Adam looked up from his thoughts, noticing something unusual in the night sky. A glimmer of blue and gold shimmered above him, growing rapidly in brightness.
The sight was mesmerizing, almost otherworldly, and before he could fully comprehend it, the strange light was speeding directly toward him.
"Wait… is that…?" The realization hit him, and instinctively, Adam took a step to run, but it was too late.
A stream of golden particles collided with him, enveloping him in a radiant haze.
The impact sent waves of energy surging through his body, and for a fraction of a second, Adam thought he'd be obliterated.
Yet, instead of tearing him apart, the particles began to absorb into him, concentrating around his spinal cord and brain.
Milliseconds passed, each one stretching out as the energy permeated his body. Golden threads of light traced along his skin, weaving through his nervous system as they became one with him.
And then, in the blink of an eye, the process was complete. The blue and golden glow faded, leaving Adam standing unharmed, the park silent once again.
Adam stared up, scanning the sky for any signs of the asteroid. Confused, he murmured to himself, "What just happened here?"
He touched his arms and torso, running his hands over his skin. To his amazement, he felt no pain, no burns, not even the faintest bruise.
"Nothing… No injuries?" He blinked, still trying to make sense of it all. "I remember… there was an asteroid coming right at me."
Looking around the empty park, Adam frowned. "Usually, something like that would leave smoke or debris, wouldn't it?" But there was nothing—not even a scorch mark on the ground where he stood.
Adam circled the park, searching for any trace of the mysterious object, but the ground remained untouched, and the sky was empty.
"Is it just me, or is this really strange?" he muttered, scratching his head. He checked his arms again but saw no change—no burns, no marks, nothing.
Finally, his nerves getting the better of him, Adam decided to leave the park. "I really thought… an asteroid nearly hit me?" He shook his head, feeling absurd for even considering it. "If I told anyone, they'd think I was crazy."
When he reached his street, he noticed his father standing outside their house, worry etched into his expression.
Adam hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt. His father's head lifted when he saw Adam approach, and he looked as if he wanted to say something, but Adam rushed forward and hugged him tightly.
Surprised, his father returned the embrace, momentarily caught off guard.
After a beat, his father softly said, "Go inside. Your mother's been worried about you."
Adam nodded, releasing him. "Have you eaten?" he asked, trying to read his father's expression.
His father smiled a little, though there was still concern in his eyes. "I'll come in. You go first," he said, waving him toward the door.
Adam gave him one last look before heading inside, sensing his father's silent relief behind him.
The moment Adam stepped into the house, he saw his mother pacing in the hallway, her face a mix of worry and relief as soon as she spotted him.
"Adam!" she exclaimed, rushing over to him. "Do you have any idea how worried I was? Leaving the house at this hour…" She pulled him into a tight hug, whispering, "I thought you'd gone to your room to rest. You scared me."
Adam managed a small smile as he hugged her back. "I'm sorry, Mom. I just… needed some air."
Just then, his father entered, glancing at the two of them. "Alright, alright, enough for now. He's probably starving. Let's get some food on the table."
Rachel turned to her husband with a look that made him flinch. Adam had to hold back a laugh as his father scrambled to say, "I just meant… Adam must be hungry. Right, Adam?"
Adam grinned and, wanting to spare his dad, nodded. "Yeah, I am. How about we all eat together?"
Rachel's expression softened as she looked back at Adam. "Yes, let's. The food's gotten cold anyway," she said, leading him toward the dining room.
With everyone settled at the table, the tense atmosphere finally started to lift. Adam couldn't help but feel grateful to be there, safe and sound with his family.
After dinner, Adam retreated to his room, closing the door behind him as he examined himself in the mirror one last time.
He searched for any sign of what had happened in the park—burns, marks, anything unusual—but his skin was as normal as ever.
Still unsettled, he sat on his bed, the events of the night replaying in his mind. "Was I hallucinating?" he whispered, staring at his hands.
But the memory of the particles and the warmth of the energy felt too vivid to dismiss.
"If it was just my imagination," he murmured, "it was the most real thing I've ever experienced."
Lying back on his bed, Adam closed his eyes, but the questions lingered.
What was that energy? And why had it chosen him? Little did he know, the impact of that night would echo in ways he couldn't yet fathom.