Abandoned Tracks

Chapter Twenty: A Journey Through Time

The train screeched to a halt, jolting Alex and Ethan out of their embrace. They looked at each other, wide-eyed, as the silence settled around them. The abrupt stop had left them disoriented, but the realization of their surroundings soon filled them with wonder.

“What just happened?” Alex whispered, still clutching Ethan’s arm.

“I’m not sure,” Ethan replied, equally stunned. “Let’s get off and see where we are.”

As they stepped off the train, they were met with a scene straight out of a different era. The streets were bustling with people, all dressed in vintage clothing. The soft glow of streetlights illuminated cobblestone pathways, and the distant sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air. It was unmistakably the 1970s.

Alex and Ethan stood in awe, trying to process what they were seeing. “Is this real?” Alex asked, his voice trembling with disbelief.

Ethan nodded slowly, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings. “I think… I think this is Charleston, my home.”

“Your home?” Alex echoed, still grappling with the surreal nature of their situation.

“Yes,” Ethan confirmed. “This place, it’s exactly how I remember it.”

They started walking, their hands tightly clasped together. People gave them curious glances, likely puzzled by their modern attire, but neither Alex nor Ethan paid them much attention. Ethan began to describe the places they passed, his voice filled with a mix of nostalgia and excitement.

“That’s the old bakery where I used to buy sweets,” Ethan pointed out, a smile tugging at his lips. “Mrs. Whitaker makes the best apple pies.”

Alex listened intently, his eyes wide with amazement. “It’s like stepping into a movie set. I can’t believe this place exists.”

“There’s the park where I played as a kid,” Ethan continued, pointing to a small green space filled with children laughing and playing. “And that’s the library where I spent countless hours reading.”

As they walked, Ethan’s eyes lit up with recognition at every turn. He greeted familiar faces who seemed surprised to see him. One elderly gentleman stopped them, his eyes narrowing in recognition.

“Ethan? Is that you?” the man asked, peering at him closely. “Where have you been? We haven’t seen you for a month! And what’s with the strange outfit?”

Ethan smiled warmly. “I went on a trip, Mr. Jenkins. Picked up some new fashion trends along the way.”

“Well, you’ve certainly made an impression,” Mr. Jenkins chuckled, shaking his head. “Good to have you back, son.”

As they continued, Alex marveled at the authenticity of the scene. “Everything looks so… perfect. It’s like time stood still here.”

Ethan nodded, his grip on Alex’s hand tightening. “It feels surreal, but it’s all real. I can’t believe we’re here.”

After about fifteen minutes of walking, they stopped in front of a large, stately house. It exuded an air of prestige and history, its vintage architecture standing proudly against the evening sky. The house was grand, with tall windows and an elegant facade that spoke of wealth and tradition.

Ethan took a deep breath, squeezing Alex’s hand. “This is my house,” he said softly.

Alex smiled, sensing Ethan’s mix of emotions. “It looks amazing.”

They could hear voices from inside as they approached the front door. Ethan hesitated for a moment before pushing it open. The interior was just as grand, with a spacious foyer that led to a grand staircase at the center. The house was filled with the warmth of family and the echoes of past generations.