Cultivated

When 'reach for the stars' stops being a metaphor.

Being a productive member of society was always expected of me-by my family, my friends, and my coworkers. I thought I was doing my part in customer support, helping people every day, until the demands pushed me past my breaking point.

So I left.

I built a quiet life on my own terms: a cabin by a lake, a thriving garden, bees, and distance from the pressures that nearly destroyed me.

Just when I believe I've finally found peace, strange lights circle the stars-and I'm lifted off the path leading back home.

I wake in a place that is cold, controlled, and very interested in what I can do. What first looks like a gift-a greenhouse, fertile soil, the chance to grow-quickly becomes something else entirely. I wasn't brought here by accident. I was chosen because I'm useful.

As the trials continue and my memories begin to blur, I'm forced to confront the truth of their desperation-and the cost of refusing to cooperate.

They need me to save their world.

I just want my life back-
if I can still remember what that was.

Author's note: This novella is my first entry for the Wattpad Open Novella Contest. Thank you for reading and for accompanying me on this experiment.

*I am a Canadian author. English spelling follows Canadian usage.

** Note about the cover image and banners: The cover and banners were created with AI assistance in Canva.