The world spun into focus...
Arthur's eyes fluttered open in a daze. Unfamiliar yet nostalgic surroundings greeted him, along with countless curious gazes fixed upon him. His mind struggled to piece together reality until a sharp voice cut through his confusion.
"Arthur! Did you understand anything I just explained?"
The question jolted him to awareness. He remained silent for a moment, processing his situation before offering a quiet mumble.
"I apologize, Teacher. I'm not feeling well today."
His response was met with a resigned sigh.
"Go home early today. Make sure you're healthy before returning to school tomorrow."
Without hesitation, Arthur rose from his desk and hastily exited the classroom. As he walked, he studied his surroundings intently. This place - he knew it well. A familiar town where people busied themselves with ordinary lives, untouched by murder or fear.
Soon, he found himself standing before a house - neither too large nor too small, but perfectly modest. A wave of longing surged through his chest, making his heart clench painfully beneath his fingers.
With trembling hands, he pulled the door handle. It swung open to reveal a simple yet warm home, filled with the essence of happiness he'd long forgotten.
A voice drifted from the kitchen, followed by the appearance of a middle-aged woman. Her initial confusion melted into a warm smile upon seeing him.
"Arthur? Skipping classes again?"
Tears threatened to spill from his eyes, but he held them back even as his heart overflowed with fulfilled longing.
"I wasn't feeling well, so the teacher sent me home to rest."
"Is that so? Well, go change your clothes then. I'll prepare something for you to eat."
"Thanks, Mom."
Arthur rushed to his bedroom, collapsing onto his bed as he tried to process everything. Among the many possibilities swirling in his mind, one stood out clearly - he had returned to the past.
"I need to prepare for the worst that's yet to come."
Rising from his bed, he moved to his desk, mind already working to construct plans for the future that only he knew awaited.