Time Machine (editing)

4 - ✓

My legs felt like heavy weights after hours of walking around the city, which I feel like it was Seoul, the capital of South Korea.

As I kept on walking. I stumbled upon a hotel with a facade painted a rather cheerful marigold yellow. The sight, surely unexpected and inviting, tugged at a heartstring I never knew existed. Stepping through the weathered oak door, I was enveloped by the warm glow of antique lamps and the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon-laced pastries. It felt homely enough for me to try and book a room. Jokes on me though, I had no idea how a home feels like.

Behind the reception desk sat an elder woman, whose face was a map etched with the gentle smiles of a lifetime. Her eyes, crinkled at the corners like well-worn tapestries, held a warmth that reminded me of the one lovely grandmothers had. She watched me approach, her gaze a silent symphony of understanding, as if she could see the disorientation swirling in my eyes. 

She got up and greeted the strange foreigner. I greeted her back, with a smile on my face. She patiently helped me navigate the unfamiliar language barrier to complete the paperwork, I found myself inexplicably drawn to her quiet presence. An urge, as primal as a heartbeat urge, surged through me, to reach out and hug this woman, a complete stranger who embodied a sense of home I'd never known.

With the keys in hand jiggling, I stepped on the creaking wooden stairs, the worn steps whispering stories of countless travelers. Reaching my room, I fumbled with the lock, the key clinking like a tiny melody before finally finding its home. Pushing open the door, sweet breeze sweetly welcomed me, and the city's distant hum washed over me. I dropped my backpack with a thud and rushed to the window, revealing the fresh buildings of Seoul.

The cityscape was all mine to analyze. Based on what history taught me, it seemed like I was in South Korea of the late 80's. Buildings in various states, some adorned with vibrant murals reflecting the city's youthful energy and the new addition of Hip-Hop, others looking charming with their unadorned, traditional concrete and brick facades. Even someone who didn't know what time was it, they could easily understand that these buildings belonged in an other era, another decade. 

Exhaustion finally caught up to me, and with a sigh, I collapsed onto the surprisingly comfortable bed. Sleep came quickly, filled with dreams of a past I wasn't a part of and a future that was as uncertain as it was thrilling.

I had so many things to do, I had to find the person I'm supposed to save and... it was certainly terrifying! I still couldn't decipher if this whole thing is fake and I'm just delusional or this indeed happened. But, if it was real, I just needed to find the person and help them. The next morning, I thought I could do some searching around, anything that could ring a bell and help me.

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The next morning came and I eagerly woke up with a determination to fulfill my new mission. To find out the person I have to help. I woke up, did the personal necessary stuff and got downstairs. The lovely lady looked at me and smiled. I grinned back and slightly bowed, showing respect.  Venturing back onto the bustling streets, my eyes scanned the passerby people, searching for a spark of recognition. A news stand overflowing with colorful publications caught my eye. Amongst the Korean dailies, a few English-language newspapers were placed next to them. I grabbed one of the English language newspapers, I settled onto a nearby bench, eager to devour the news.

The date splashed across the front page sent a jolt through me – October 1995. I, a teenager born four years later, was standing in a foreign country three years before my birth, yet somehow remained nineteen. It was enough to make my head spin. Anyone who confided in about this would surely be labeled delusional. The next morning, I thought I could do some searching around, anything that could ring a bell and help me.