Story

**Parallel Paths** Ethan Walker had always thought of his life as ordinary. Seventeen years old, living in the small town of Ridgewood, he spent his days juggling school, soccer practice, and hanging out with his friends at the old diner on Maple Street. But lately, he had been feeling like something was missing, like he was meant for something more. Little did he know, an adventure beyond his wildest dreams was about to unfold. It all began on an unusually misty Friday afternoon. Ethan was walking home from school, the cool breeze tugging at his hoodie. The clouds hung low, casting an eerie ambiance over the town. As he reached the alley shortcut he often took, he noticed a strange shimmer in the air. It was as if the very fabric of reality was rippling like the surface of a disturbed pond. Curiosity piqued, Ethan stepped closer. The shimmer grew more pronounced, and before he could second-guess himself, he reached out. Instantly, he was engulfed in a sensation akin to being pulled through a tunnel of whirling colors and lights. He stumbled forward, his feet landing on solid ground. Ethan blinked, adjusting to his surroundings. At first glance, everything seemed the same. The alleyway, the distant school building, and even the neighborhood houses appeared unchanged. Yet, as he walked towards home, subtle differences began to emerge. The sky was an unusual shade of turquoise, and the air carried a faint, sweet aroma reminiscent of spring blossoms. He approached his house with a mix of apprehension and intrigue. The front door was slightly ajar—a rare occurrence. "Mom? Dad?" he called, stepping inside. The house looked familiar, yet it felt different, like a song played in a different key. His mom appeared from the kitchen, but her hair was a vibrant shade of blue. "Ethan! There you are. I thought you were going to be late today," she said with a warm smile. Ethan stood frozen, his mind racing. His mom had never dyed her hair before. "Uh, yeah. Just a weird day at school," he managed to reply. As he retreated to his room, Ethan noticed other anomalies: photos on the wall that showcased moments he'd never experienced, and trophies with his name but for activities he had never pursued. Confused and slightly unnerved, he decided to call his best friend, Alex. Pulling out his phone, he was relieved to find Alex's number unchanged. "Hey, Ethan! What's up?" Alex's voice was as familiar as ever, yet there was an inexplicable undertone of excitement. "Hey, Alex. Have you noticed anything… strange today?" Ethan asked, trying to keep his voice steady. "Strange? Like what?" Alex chuckled. "We still on for the game tonight? You know, the big one you’ve been training for all season?" Ethan was taken aback. He played soccer, sure, but there was no big game he was aware of. "Uh, yeah. Just making sure," he said, deciding to go along with it. That evening, Ethan found himself in the Ridgewood Stadium, the place buzzing with energy and anticipation. As he donned his jersey, it struck him that this was not just any game—it was a championship match. The stadium was packed, and the lights illuminated the field with an intensity that made everything seem surreal. The game was exhilarating, a test of skill and teamwork. Ethan discovered that in this version of his life, he was the star player, renowned for his agility and precision. Each move came to him instinctively, as though he had lived this life forever. By the end of the game, they had won, and Ethan was lifted onto the shoulders of his teammates, showered with cheers and admiration. Yet, as he basked in the glory, a part of him felt detached, like he was living someone else's dream. That night, as he lay in bed, he couldn't shake the feeling that this world, while exciting, wasn't truly his. Determined to find answers, Ethan spent the weekend exploring this parallel version of his life. He discovered that in this world, he was not only a soccer star but also a talented musician. His room was filled with guitars and music sheets, and his calendar was dotted with upcoming gigs and practice sessions. Strangely enough, he found himself able to play the guitar with surprising ease. The more he learned about this life, the more he realized how different his choices had been here. He was more outgoing, more adventurous, someone who seized every opportunity. It was a life of risks and rewards, something he had often dreamed of but never dared to pursue. Yet, despite the thrill, Ethan missed his real life—the familiar faces, the quiet moments, and even the mundane routines. He realized that while this version of him seemed to have it all