Short Story Collection

Time

Riley ran through the thick Forest as quick as his legs could carry him. This had been a great idea, until it wasn't. Professor Liney had sworn that the machine would work and take him back. What Riley didn't realise was just how far back he was going.

Opening the hatch he was confronted by a burning red sky barely visible through the dense canopy of the tree above. These trees were something to marvel at, they must have been ancient. Massively thick trunks and towering higher than most of the 4 story buildings in Riley's town.

After Riley had finished admiring the view and his heart had slowed to a pace that wouldn't kill him he decided to get out and have a quick walk about. He couldn't believe the Prof's machine actually worked, or that he was daft enough to be the first to test it.

Riley looked around. He didn't recognise any of the plants or flowers that grew around the space he had landed. Most were taller than him standing at least 7 foot tall. The colours were bright and vivid against the greens of the underbrush. Riley checked his watch. He had 18 minutes before the machine would take him back to reality.

There was a noticeable drop in the temperature and silent had descended. He didn't realise he was aware of the animals and birds until they stopped making any noise. The ground began to quake as he heard a *thud thud thud* of footsteps. The leaves were shaking around him, he knew it was time to leave.

Riley ran back to the machine pod as quickly as he could. Whatever was approaching was getting closer and he didn't want to be there to face it.

The ground was slippy and he was struggling to stay upright. Luckily he hadn't gone far, just a few more strides and he would be there.

Once he approached the pod he quickly got in and bolted the door shut. Riley strapped himself into the chair and turned the machine on to signify he was ready to depart. Seconds felt like hours and the machine whirred to life. Across the dashboard the digits 2017 flashed up. Riley was going home. Just as the machine started to fade out he saw a huge T-Rex burst through the trees and head straight towards him. Riley had never been so pleased to be heading back to his world.