“Okay, so let’s get this straight: this isn’t a good thing. This is bad. Very bad.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do not open that window. I have been stuck seeing the future that could have been for an eternity. Be happy with what — !”
The voice was cut off mid-sentece. Pete was confused. But he was also really tired, maybe that explains it.
Pete stayed up all night to study for his algebra exam; he knows he failed.
Now, he is tired to boot and respite will not come until he completes his bicycle journey back to his home.
Pete trudges on, pedaling up the steepest part of his return trip home. He takes a break to lay in the wet grass part way up the hill.
Pete jolts awake, having been disturbed by a sudden gust of cold, unforgiving air.
He spots a staircase in his periphery. Something appears warm and inviting about this staircase. He figures it is an illusion – a mirage perhaps – due to his current lack-of-sleep dilemma.
But his curiosity gets the best of him. Pete approaches the immense staircase. Warmth envelops him, ascending the staircase step by step. Climbing with full intrigue, Pete notices a window floating at the top of the steps.
When reaching the window, Pete looks through and sees two visions, separated by a banner of red. One depicts a Pete, much older, who appears unhappy. He is dirty. Covered in filth, squatting beneath a bridge. His only possession is a paper. It appears to be his algebra exam, with a big black F at the top.
The other vision, however, depicts a happy Pete. He is in a large home surrounded by those he loves. He obviously has a high-paying job. On the wall adjacent to Pete in this mirage is a framed paper. On this paper at the top, in gold, is a large A+.
These two visions depict the possible outcomes of Pete’s life.
A voice speaks to him.
“Follow me through this window. I will take you to that which you desire.”
He climbs through. Falling.
“PETE! BUS IS HERE!”
Pete awakes with a start. He bolts out the door, backpack in hand. He must have dozed off while studying for his exam.
While riding his bike to school, Pete hears a seemingly familiar voice.
“Do not open that window…”
Oh no.
Is this his life?
How long have I been stuck in this cycle?
I wish I had a more comfortable bike.
Edit: spelling.
No writing of my own to contribute, but here’s a very relevant horror book that’s quite good:
But it was glowing, so I walked on by and made it home on time for dinner.
