Timeless ~Outlander~

Leaving the 416

The rain-slicked streets of Toronto glistened under the glow of neon signs, casting a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors onto the pavement. Amid the relentless hustle and bustle of modern life, I found myself standing alone, completely drenched by the unrelenting rain. The city I had called home for years felt foreign to me, as if I were a stranger in my own world. Surrounded by a society fixated on the latest technologies and fashions, I couldn't help but yearn for the simplicity of comfortable clothing and the solace of a good book.

My mind drifted back to my childhood, when my mother had taken me on a transformative vacation to the Netherlands to visit relatives. That journey had shattered the illusion that Canada was the pinnacle of society. It had opened my eyes to the vast world beyond my city's borders, and I couldn't bear the thought of living my entire life confined to its limitations.

Standing there, drenched to the bone, I felt more alive than I had in years. The raindrops caressed my skin, each one connecting me to the world I longed to explore.

I had never been one for designer labels or the latest gadgets. No, my desires ran deeper—I craved an adventure that would liberate me from the mundane routine of everyday life. If only the world could mirror the enchanting tales within my favorite books, filled with magic, castles, and mythical creatures.

My gaze wandered to a nearby bookstore, its warm and inviting lights contrasting sharply with the cold, wet world outside. The thought of losing myself in the pages of a novel, embarking on an adventure even if only in my mind, was tempting. But my hunger was for more than just words; I yearned for tangible experiences beyond the ordinary.

As the rain continued its gentle descent, I made a silent promise to myself. I would find a way to break free from the constraints of my everyday existence and chase the adventure I so desperately craved.

Trudging home from work, the streets remained damp and reflective, mirroring my internal turmoil. My apartment building, a familiar sight, greeted me as I entered. The elevator ride was uneventful, and the dimly lit hallway led me to my apartment door.

The comforting scent of cooking wafted from neighboring units, a stark contrast to my current desire for an escape from routine. I entered our cozy living room, bathed in the soft glow of lamps and the ambient light from the TV. It was a safe haven from the outside world, yet I felt an undeniable restlessness within me.

My mother, Marie, was engrossed in her work, speaking in hushed tones on the phone. She was a dedicated woman, seamlessly balancing her job and our household. She knew how to juggle her responsibilities, and it was clear she was swamped with work at the moment.

"Order some dinner in, sweetie," Marie whispered without taking her eyes off her laptop screen. I nodded in response, sparing her the details of my own day.

I grabbed my phone and opened the DoorDash app, scrolling through the menu options. Each dish's exotic name felt like a window to a world beyond my reach, and I settled on Chinese cuisine. With the order placed, I retreated to my room, my sanctuary.

Changing out of my rain-soaked work attire, I slipped into my comfiest pajamas—a well-worn pair of flannel bottoms and an oversized, soft T-shirt. Their warmth and familiarity contrasted sharply with the chill of my wanderlust.

Back in my bedroom, I picked up a worn paperback novel, one that had me entranced—a story set in the mystical landscapes of Scotland. As I settled onto my bed with the book in hand, I couldn't help but lose myself in its pages.

The author's vivid descriptions transported me to rugged moors, ancient castles, and mist-shrouded lochs. The tale followed a young girl's journey through the Scottish Highlands, brimming with magic, adventure, and the promise of a destiny entwined with the land itself.