Prompt: Write a short story about a man who discovers a magical portal
Response:
Sitting in his chair, looking out the window, Jeff contemplated his life. It was going well, or so he thought. His work was satisfying, and he had a good relationship with his friends. However, something was nagging at him. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but he knew there was something else he was missing.
Suddenly, without warning, the door to his office burst open and a young woman raced in, panting.
“Jeff! I think I’ve found a portal!” she exclaimed, breathlessly.
Jeff rose from his chair and joined her at the window. Together they looked out and saw a blurry, magical doorway near the edge of town.
“It looks like we could explore it if we hurry,” the woman said.
Jeff nodded and they quickly packed up their belongings. They exited the office and headed towards the portal. As they got closer, it became clear that the doorway was too faint to cross.
“We’ll have to build a gate first,” Jeff said.
The woman nodded and began to gather the necessary materials. Jeff began to cast spells to create a sturdy gate, while the woman explained what lay beyond the portal.
As they worked, Jeff began to feel a sense of excitement. This was the adventure he had been searching for. Finally, he would be able to explore the world beyond his own backyard.
But as he worked, Jeff began to realize that something was wrong. For no apparent reason, the spells he was casting were not working. He tried again and again, but the result was the same.
“Something’s wrong,” he muttered to the woman, who was busy constructing the gate. “The spells aren’t working.”
“What do you mean?” she asked, looking up from her work.
Jeff shook his head. He couldn’t explain it, but he had a feeling that something was going to happen. He could feel it in his bones.
Just then, the woman finished assembling the gate and placed it in front of the portal. As she did, a bright light appeared and the portal disappeared.
“What was that?” Jeff exclaimed as he watched the gate vanish.
The woman shrugged. “I have no idea,” she said. “But I know this: we’re not going back.”