“Take the train to Starfall Lane ⭐️”

YEAR: 1998

The year was 1998, and the evening air still held the warmth of the day. You were walking along the sidewalk with your Border Collie, Maxx, his paws tapping softly against the concrete as streetlights flickered on one by one. Everything felt normal—until your pager buzzed, then again.

Your parents wanted you home. As soon as possible.

The train station was only a few blocks away. You didn’t question it. You and Maxx slipped into the crowd and boarded the next train, the doors hissing shut behind you. Inside, it was crowded with tired faces and quiet conversations, the kind that blend into a low, constant hum. You found an empty seat by the window, Maxx settling neatly at your feet like he always did.

You slipped your earbuds in and let the music carry you, the rhythm matching the sway of the train. The windows blurred with passing streets. Your eyes grew heavy. Just for a minute, you thought. Just a short nap.

When you woke, the music had stopped.

Maxx was pawing gently at your leg. You blinked and sat up, confused by how still everything felt. The train wasn’t moving. The hum was gone. You glanced around and froze.

The car was empty. No passengers. No conductor. No footsteps. Just silence and the faint glow of light spilling through the windows. Maxx nudged you again, lifting his head toward the glass, his eyes bright and focused.

You followed his gaze.

Outside, the world was nothing like the one you knew. Star-shaped lampposts lined the streets, glowing softly instead of buzzing. Golden sponge-like stars trailed along the ground, scattered like footprints of light.

People moved through the streets below—but they were different. Their movements were slower, their silhouettes unfamiliar, as if they belonged to a place that existed just slightly out of reach.

How the hell were you gonna get home? No train conductor to control the train, no familiar people, just you and Maxx.

The train doors stood open, what do you do now? If you’re going to explore, make sure to take the dog with you ALWAYS.

6 PM is perfect: not day, not night. A liminal hour..