Short stories!

New World

My name is Lena and I have always been an adventurous person. The only problem is that I live in a house with overprotective parents, who never let me out of their sight. My parents always had a reason to restrict me from stepping outside the house. Sometimes, it was the weather, and other times, it was because they were afraid something might happen to me. This always made me feel caged.

I longed to explore the world and go on adventures like the ones I read about in books. I yearned for the freedom to make my own choices and decisions. But no matter how much I begged and pleaded, my parents never budged. It seemed like they were willing to do anything to keep me safe and protected inside the walls of our home.

But one night, everything changed.

It was a dark and stormy night, the kind of night that makes you want to curl up in bed with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book. But for me, it was the perfect opportunity to escape my house. I knew my parents would never let me go out in such bad weather, so I waited until they had gone to bed before sneaking out of my room.

I didn't have a destination in mind, I just wanted to feel the cool breeze on my face and the raindrops on my skin. As I walked down the familiar streets of my neighborhood, I couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration. I was finally doing something for myself and it felt great.

That's when I saw him.

He was standing under a streetlight, his face hidden in the shadows. I almost turned back, thinking he might be a dangerous stranger. But something about him intrigued me. He was wearing a long black coat and a scarf around his neck despite the warm summer night.

'Hello, Lena,' he said in a deep, mysterious voice.

'How do you know my name?' I asked, unable to hide my surprise.

'I have been watching you for a long time. I know you are looking for adventure, and I can give you that,' he replied, beckoning me to follow him.

At that moment, I felt like I was in one of my favorite science-fiction books. His cryptic words and mysterious appearance made me curious. Without thinking twice, I followed him into a dark alleyway, my heart racing with excitement and fear.

We walked for what felt like hours, until we reached a hidden door at the edge of the city. The stranger pulled out a key and unlocked the door, revealing a strange-looking machine inside.

'This is a portal to a parallel universe,' he said, gesturing towards the machine.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It sounded too good to be true. But before I could ask any questions, the stranger pushed me into the machine and pressed a button. Suddenly, everything went dark and I felt like I was being sucked into a vortex.

When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a completely different world. The sky was a vibrant purple and the trees had silver leaves. It was like nothing I had ever seen before.

But before I could take in the sights, the stranger appeared next to me.

'Welcome to the parallel universe, Lena. Here, your life will be turned upside down,' he said with a smile that sent shivers down my spine.

He explained that in order to get back to earth, I would have to complete a series of challenges. I was terrified, but at the same time, I couldn't resist the thought of experiencing something so unique and thrilling.

And so, the challenges began.

I was faced with creatures that I had only read about in science-fiction books. I had to solve puzzles and riddles that tested my intelligence and quick thinking. I even had to face my greatest fear - heights - by climbing a never-ending staircase.

But with each challenge, I grew stronger and more confident. I discovered skills and abilities I never knew I had. And through it all, the mysterious stranger was there to guide me and push me to my limits.

Finally, after what felt like days, I completed the final challenge and found myself back in the familiar dark alleyway. The portal machine was gone, and the stranger was nowhere to be seen.

For a moment, I thought it had all been a dream. But then, I saw something glinting on the ground near my feet. It was a key, the same one the stranger had used to open the door to the parallel universe.

I knew then that it was all real.

I returned home, feeling different yet exhilarated. My parents were frantic, having discovered I was missing. But I couldn't find the words to explain where I had been and what I had experienced.

From that day on, I no longer felt the need to escape my house. I had found adventure in another world, and that was enough for me. But every time it rains, I can't help but think about the mysterious stranger and the parallel universe, and I wonder if I will ever see him again; the man who changed my life.

A/N: Please remember to vote and comment!