Belief vs. Reality

Alex scoffed, rolling his eyes at Riley's earnest expression. "Ghosts, really? In this day and age? You're still clinging to that nonsense?"Riley, undeterred, crossed her arms. "You're just a close-minded scientist, Alex. There's more to the world than what you can see.""More like less," Alex retorted, "There's only what we can prove."They were standing in the quaint antique shop, a place Riley had frequented since childhood. Dusty shelves lined the walls, filled with peculiar objects. The air was thick with the scent of old paper and forgotten dreams."Look, I know this might seem crazy," Riley began, her voice barely a whisper, "but I think this crystal... it's special." She held up a small, iridescent crystal, its facets catching the dim light.Alex snatched the crystal from her hand. "A magic rock? Seriously?" He examined it, turning it over in his fingers. It was smooth and cool to the touch."I'm telling you, it's not just a rock," Riley insisted, her voice rising. "It's a wish-granting crystal. I've heard stories about it."Alex chuckled. "A wish-granting crystal? In a dusty old shop like this?""Well, maybe it's not exactly a wish-granting crystal," Riley admitted, "But it can... influence reality, I guess."Before Alex could respond, a strange energy pulsed from the crystal. A blinding light filled the shop, and when it faded, they found themselves in a world unlike their own.The once quaint antique shop was now a shadowy, otherworldly realm, filled with eerie sounds and strange, glowing creatures. Alex and Riley exchanged a terrified look."What... what just happened?" Alex stammered."I think," Riley said, her voice trembling, "my wish came true."