The air held the scent of damp earth and pine needles. Not a single branch stirred, and the stream flowed past, barely gurgling over smooth gray pebbles. The woods were so so colourful—a stark contrast to the reality of this world.

Yes. You and your friend Max navigated through distorted memories for God knows how long. In this Mindscape, the track of the time didn’t matter. You gradually lost hope…

Until you met a very intelligent kid.

You and Max walked without a destination, the bright green leaves cracking under the weight of your boots.

The distant sound of footsteps could be heard. You signalled Max to stay alarm, bringing a finger on your lips.

“Wait…” Max furrowed her eyebrows. “Is that…?”

Indeed, a shorter, familiar figure with a blue dress, blonde pigtails and a brown cape approached you, their steps distinct through the gentle breeze.

“What are you doing here?” Max folded her arms as she recognized the figure—Holly Wheeler.

“We need to talk,” Holly said, her voice resolute.

“Holly, the plan—“

“Was to wait for Henry to leave. I know,” she interrupted the redhead. “But he was talking and saying all this creepy stuff.”

“Did anyone see you come here?” You asked.

“No, I was careful. Please, just listen!” Holly pleaded, desperation coloring her tone.

She took a long exhale before rushing her words out of her mouth. “I know why Henry kidnapped us. He’s going to somehow use us to draw another world to ours, to Earth.”

The atmosphere of the woods changed, the revelation hanging in the air. “Draw another world? I don’t understand what that means,” Max tried to keep her voice steady.

“Henry says it’s to save Earth, but I think it’s really to destroy it. Whatever he’s planning, he’s going to do it tomorrow. We have to get out of Camatotz right now.”

Max scoffed, her sarcastic demeanor resurfacing. “We’ll never make it! As soon as he realizes that you’re gone, he’ll track you down and catch us.”