Groundsville, a small town reminiscent of an exuberant party, was often filled with lively sounds of music and the bustling energy of festivals that permeated its streets. Yet, amidst the normalcy, there was one peculiar anomaly—an ominous oak tree. Local tales spoke of a woman who mysteriously disappeared near it, leading to the townspeople avoiding it like a contagious plague. However, in the face of this prevailing fear, a brave young boy dared to venture near the tree, determined to
uncover the truth.
David, an adventurous soul, couldn’t resist the allure of investigating the threatening superstition surrounding a foreboding oak tree. One early evening, as the vivacious sky displayed a smiling vibrant sunset and fluffy pillows gracefully flew across it, he boldly entered the chilling woods where the unwanted tree was located. Twisted, elderly trees whispered ancient secrets; crushed sticks under his feet echoed with a spine-tingling melody. With every step, anticipation surged through his veins like an electric shock—and then, at last, he found it: the oak tree, its leaves desperately clung on, its disfigured branches stood tall, as if daring anyone to discover its hidden secret.
Cautiously he crept towards the ominous presence of the tree, its shadow seemed to loom over him like a malevolent force. Quickly, his eyes widened, and the beating of his heart rapidly increased. Instantaneously, with a mixture of trepidation and curiosity, he reached out his shaking hand. Winter’s grasp tightly consumed it. Suddenly, when he touched the forbidden oak tree, a surge of energy transported through his fragile body, and the dizzy world around him began to warp and shift.It was as if reality itself had become a kaleidoscope of swirling colours and sensations.
As David delved deeper into the depths of time, he noticed the smell of each time period violently dancing around him—accompanied by an overwhelming mixture of scents: the invigorating fragrance of fresh rain, coupled with an indescribable scent that both intrigued and repulsed him.
Momentarily, the sounds enveloped him; he heard the distant echoes of laughter, the clinking of medieval armour, and the hum of futuristic technology.
As the world settled, David found himself in a different time, a different place. Swift like lightning, the landscape had transformed. Unwillingly, he stood in the midst of a bustling medieval market. Unknown colours, smells, and sounds were an overwhelming whirlwind, and he felt a sense of awe at the living history surrounding him. Poor peasants haggling with wealthy merchants bustled around him, dressed in attire he had only seen in history books. The air was thick with the scent of roasting meats and freshly baked bread, mingling with the earthy aroma of the dirt roads beneath his feet. It was a sensory overload, like stepping into a vivid painting of the past.
Shortly after, people in the market also became equally apprehensive and perplexed by David’s sudden appearance. They whispered amongst themselves, casting curious and wary glances in his direction. Confused, they could not comprehend how a stranger had appeared in their midst, dressed in unfamiliar attire and speaking in an unfamiliar manner. Some regarded him with suspicion, while others were simply curious about this mysterious newcomer who had seemingly materialized out of thin air.
In the midst of a tempest of emotions, David summoned his resolve with a whisper: “I’ll find you, Mum, and we’ll discover a new beginning together.” Embarking on a perilous odyssey, he dared the shadows, determined not to fade into the forgotten chapters of history...
Sarah O'Connor
