─═✧✧═─ 𝔽𝕝𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝟙𝟡𝟙𝟚 ─═✧✧═─

A Time Between Dreams

Mia laid in her bed, the familiar surroundings of her room offering a stark contrast to the world she had been desperate to return to. The arguments with her father, the broken connection—everything had left her feeling drained. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't shake the anxiety that gnawed at her as she drifted off to sleep.

She dreamed of a warm, golden light and of voices from another time. The images were hazy, flickering like old film reels, filled with echoes of laughter and the hum of a machine she had come to cherish. In her dream, she saw Henry's face, clear and vivid, his eyes filled with hope.

As the night deepened, Mia's breathing slowed, her dreams blending into one another. The world around her grew fuzzy, and she fell into a deep, restless sleep.

The next thing Mia knew, she was no longer in her room. She blinked awake, feeling the cool night air on her face. Her bed was gone, replaced by the rough texture of cobblestones beneath her. Her heart raced as she sat up, looking around in confusion.

She found herself in the middle of a cobblestone road, flanked by buildings that seemed to be from another era. The architecture was unmistakably early 20th century—elegant, detailed facades with large windows and wrought-iron balconies. Gas lamps lined the street, their soft glow casting long shadows across the cobblestones. The street was eerily quiet, the only sound the distant murmur of an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage.

Mia's breath came out in short, shocked bursts. She rubbed her eyes, hoping to wake from a bizarre dream, but the scene remained unchanged. The night sky above was dark, dotted with stars, and the cool breeze was real, as was the cobblestone road she was sitting on.

"This can't be real," Mia whispered to herself, her voice echoing faintly. Her heart pounded with a mix of fear and exhilaration.

She stood up, her legs shaky, and looked around for any sign of familiarity. She spotted a street sign ahead, the name of the street barely visible in the dim light. As she walked towards it, her mind raced with possibilities. Could she have somehow crossed over into 1912 again?

She took cautious steps, her shoes clicking softly against the stones. The gas lamps flickered as she moved, casting dancing shadows on the walls of the buildings. Every corner she turned seemed to lead her deeper into the past, and she felt an odd blend of nostalgia and apprehension.

Suddenly, a figure appeared in the distance, walking towards her. It was a man in period attire—dark trousers, a vest, and a bowler hat. He carried a lantern, its light bobbing in the night. As he approached, Mia's pulse quickened. She wondered if he could help her understand what was happening.

"Excuse me!" Mia called out, her voice trembling. "Can you help me?"

The man stopped, looking at her with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Are you lost, miss?"

Mia nodded, her eyes wide. "I think I am. I'm not sure how I got here."

The man's gaze softened. "It's quite late for a young lady to be out alone. Let me escort you to the nearest lodging."

Mia followed him, trying to keep her breathing steady. The reality of her situation was overwhelming, and she needed to get her bearings. The man led her down the cobblestone road, and as they walked, Mia's thoughts kept returning to Henry. If this was indeed 1912, there was a chance she could find him.

They reached a quaint guesthouse with a warm, inviting glow coming from its windows. The man opened the door for her, and Mia stepped inside, grateful for the shelter. The interior was cozy, with wooden floors and period furnishings.

The innkeeper, a kindly woman in a floral dress, greeted them. "Welcome, sir. And who might this be?"

"This young lady seems to be in need of some assistance," the man explained. "She appears to be lost."

The innkeeper looked at Mia with concern. "Do you have any family or friends nearby?"

Mia hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I'm not sure. I was hoping to find some information or help."

The innkeeper's eyes widened slightly but she quickly masked her surprise with a warm smile. "Well, you're welcome to stay here for the night. I'll prepare a room for you."

Mia thanked her and followed her to a small, comfortable room upstairs. As the door closed behind her, she sat down on the bed, her mind spinning with questions and possibilities. How had she ended up here? And more importantly, how could she find Henry?

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing thoughts. Her connection with Henry had been severed, but if she was indeed in 1912, she had a chance to find him in person.

With renewed determination, Mia resolved to make the most of this unexpected opportunity. She would search for Henry, discover if he was still working on the Resonator, and find a way to reconnect with him. This was her chance to bridge the gap between their worlds once more.

As she lay back on the bed, her mind raced with plans and hopes. The cobblestone road, the gas lamps, and the warmth of the guesthouse were all part of a world she had only glimpsed through the phone. Now, she was a part of it.

With a mix of excitement and trepidation, Mia closed her eyes, ready to face whatever lay ahead. She had crossed into 1912 once again, and this time, she wouldn't let the opportunity slip away.