Chapter 7 - No Hope

As I wandered through the park, a strange sense of unease settled in the pit of my stomach. Something was off once again, and I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that I was being watched. I glanced over my shoulder—nothing. Just the usual early morning joggers and a couple of people walking their dogs. Still, it felt like there was a set of eyes on me, hidden somewhere, watching, waiting.The park is bathed in bright morning sunlight, with beautiful flowers and lush grass shimmering in the breeze. It looks peaceful, yet my gut is still whispering that something bad is about to happen again. Ah… whatever. Maybe I'm just overthinking it.The convenience store was just ahead, so I quickened my pace, my unease growing with each step. The breeze rustled the leaves, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I heard a whisper—like someone was calling my name. I stopped abruptly and turned around, scanning the park.Nothing.My heart pounded as I tried to convince myself that I was simply overthinking it. Unfortunately, the memory of the portal, that gut-wrenching sensation of being pulled into another dimension, was still too fresh in my mind. The thought of experiencing that again made my skin crawl.I entered the convenience store, the bell above the door ringing as I stepped inside. The familiar smell of coffee and instant ramen hit me, bringing a brief sense of comfort. I grabbed a can of coke and a few snacks, hoping they'd keep my energy up if things went south again. As I approached the counter, the cashier—a beautiful woman with blue hair and striking blue eyes—barely glanced at me as she scanned my items.After I paid for my snacks, I noticed a few chairs and a table near the convenience store window, where people could sit and eat while looking out at the street. Without hesitation, I took a seat facing the window and started munching on my snacks.The time now is 10:28 AM. I planned to wait until at least lunchtime before heading back home, hoping that the alien portal would be gone by then—well, hopefully. To be extra cautious, I decided to extend my wait a little longer, maybe until around 2 PM, before I would walk back home.Anyway, what a beautiful day! Ah, it's so peaceful and lively, so much better than the nightmare I experienced in that colossal alien spaceship. Jeez, comparing Earth to that vast alien experiment hall feels like comparing heaven and hell. Damn, the difference is truly mind-blowing.Time passed, and I continued to chill in the convenience store. I even bought extra snacks to eat just so that I wouldn't get bored while waiting. Thankfully, I had my phone with me, so I could watch YouTube videos or even play some mini-games to pass the time.Then, at precisely 11:36 AM, a shiver of apprehension ran through me. I could feel the tight knot of fear in my stomach, knowing that only one more minute remained before the alien abduction would begin. As the seconds ticked by with excruciating slowness, I watched the clock with bated breath.The moment the hands of the clock struck 11:37 AM, a jarring sensation struck. Without warning, the entire convenience store erupted into a frenzy of violent shaking, the walls and shelves quaking, as though the very earth itself had convulsed in a miniature earthquake. The once stable and mundane environment was transformed into a chaotic scene of trembling fixtures and rattling products, intensifying the sense of dread that gripped me.RUMBLE!"Fuck! What the hell is happening?!!" I shouted, abandoning my snacks and jumping to my feet.Naturally, I wasn't alone in this convenience store—at least eight other people were here as well, including the cashier girl. As the chaos unfolded, it was clear that everyone, from the cashier girl to the other customers, was just as stunned and disoriented as I was.BLINK!Without warning, a swirling blue lightning portal materialized in front of me, its vibrant energy crackling with an almost malevolent intensity. There was no mistaking it—this was the exact same portal that had forcefully sucked me in last time!"W-What the fuck is this?!! This can't be possible—!!" I managed to choke out, my voice trembling with disbelief, but before I could even process it, the portal's force yanked me in completely. It seemed I was the only one being pulled in; the other customers in the convenience store remained untouched, spared from whatever nightmare awaited on the other side.Just like before, the portal dragged me into a tunnel-like wormhole. The disorientation hit immediately—my body felt stretched and compressed at the same time, while blinding lights and swirling colors whipped past me. The sensation of motion was both exhilarating and terrifying."Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!!! Noooooooooooooooo!!!" I screamed, my voice raw and desperate, echoing through the endless void.Fuck! I can't accept this! Not again! I don't want to go back there! I don't want to be tortured again! The thought of it made my whole body tremble. For the love of God, someone—anyone—please help me! Ah, someone get me out of this bloody hell!