The world felt clean, everything felt... new. Thomas walked with a bounce in his step, planning to visit the old treehouse where he and Ben had spent their childhood. He felt a surge of eagerness, imagining the look on Ben's face when he saw him. The air seemed lighter, easier to breathe.
He hiked to the woods, a familiar path he hadn't taken in years. The treehouse still stood, weathered but intact. He was giddy, ready to relive his favorite memories. He could barely contain his joy.
As he reached the treehouse, a woman with a child came out. "Excuse me," she said, looking at him with curious eyes. "Can I help you?"
"Is this... Ben's treehouse?" Thomas asked, his voice shaking.
"Yes. It's my brother's. He's inside."
Thomas felt his stomach drop. "Ben?" he repeated, louder this time.
The woman smiled. "You know him?"
The door opened, and a man walked out. He looked like Ben. But not. The laughter died in his throat. This wasn't the Ben he knew.
"Hey, Lily! Who's this?"
"I don't know," Lily replied.
"I... I think I have the wrong place," Thomas stammered. He turned and ran, the joyful feeling completely gone. His body felt heavy, his lungs constricted. The woods, once a sanctuary, now felt claustrophobic.