Just as Zack entered the chamber, he was welcomed with a blinding light. He tried covering his eyes while still managing to steal glances from what lies ahead. Then, the light was gone.
He blinked his eyes open, his vision adjusting.
He was back in Northwood. The Northwoods he remembers. His home.
The city was alive — bustling streets, neon signs flickering against the night sky, people walking past him as if everything was normal. Laughter echoed from the cafés, cars honked in the distance, and for a second, it almost felt real. Almost.
His heart pounded. He couldn't explain what he was feeling. Was it relief? Longing? Dread?
It's been a while since he saw a lot of people like this, and it's also been a while since he heard people laughing and a car honking.
