The school holidays had begun, but Ren could not shake the feeling that something was waiting for him. The magic book lay open on his desk, glowing faintly as if calling him. His friends were busy with their own plans, leaving Ren alone with curiosity and an unshakable pull toward the portal.
Hesitant but determined, Ren followed the diagrams in the book. The energy pulsed softly beneath his fingers, guiding him as he traced the symbols carefully. A swirl of blue and gold light appeared before him, the same portal he and his friends had opened together before. But this time, he stepped through alone.
The world on the other side was familiar, yet completely different. He found himself in a small town that looked like a quiet suburb of America. Streets were lined with trees, and the sky was painted in warm hues of sunset. Everything was peaceful, almost too perfect.
As Ren walked, he noticed a girl sitting on a bench in a small park, reading a book. Her hair shimmered in the golden light, and her smile was gentle. He felt his heart skip a beat. There was something about her that felt familiar, comforting, and exciting all at once.
He tried to say hello, but English was not his strong suit. "Uhh… hi… uh… you… uh… book sit… yes?" he stammered, waving awkwardly at her book.
The girl blinked, trying not to laugh. "Um… hi?" she said slowly, unsure what he meant.
Ren gestured frantically, pointing at himself and then at the bench. "Me… sit… with… uh… you?"
The girl laughed softly, realizing he was trying to be polite. "Oh! You want to sit here? Sure!" She patted the spot beside her.
Ren sat down quickly, relieved, though his face was red. He fumbled with his words, pointing at himself. "Name… Ren… uhh… you… name?"
"Mira," she said, smiling. "Nice to meet you, Ren."
Even though the conversation was clumsy, Ren felt an unexpected connection. Mira's warmth and laughter made him forget the awkward words, and he realized he could communicate with gestures, expressions, and a little creativity.
As they walked together through the park, Ren noticed something that made him stop. Across the street, in a small house with a white picket fence, a woman was waving at Mira. Ren froze. The woman looked exactly like his mother, Aiko, yet she was older, smiling, healthy, and vibrant.
"Mira's mother?" Ren whispered to himself, stepping closer.
"Yes," Mira said with a fond smile. "She's the best mom in the world. You like her?"
Ren nodded, though his mind was racing. The realization hit him: this world had versions of people he loved, but their lives were different. His mother was alive here, happy, and raising the girl he now cared for deeply. It was both comforting and confusing.
They spent the rest of the afternoon walking through the town. Mira showed him her favorite spots: a small café, a bookstore filled with colorful novels, and a playground where children laughed. Ren tried to speak English when ordering a pastry, but ended up pointing at the display and saying, "Uhh… cake… yes… please?" The cashier laughed, but gave him a croissant anyway. Ren blushed but smiled, enjoying the moment.
As the sun began to set, Ren knew it was time to go back. Mira looked at him with curiosity. "Will I see you again?"
Ren hesitated, gesturing awkwardly with both hands. "Uhh… maybe… yes… I hope… see… uh… you?"
She laughed softly and nodded. "Okay. I hope so too."
He turned back toward the spot where the portal had appeared. The book glowed faintly in his backpack, reminding him that this was not just a visit—it was a connection between worlds. He stepped through the portal, the familiar swirl of light pulling him back.
When he opened his eyes, he was back in his bedroom. Everything looked ordinary, yet his heart felt heavier. The memory of Mira and the sight of his mother in another life lingered, a mix of wonder, longing, and a strange sadness.
Ren sat on his bed, opening the book once more. He knew one thing for certain: the other world was real, full of people he loved, and mysteries he had yet to understand. And he could not ignore it, no matter how dangerous it might be.
The holidays were just beginning, but Ren's journey had taken a turn he never expected. Between love, family, and the secrets of the portal, nothing would ever be simple again.