As you extend the tome to him, his eyes light up, and he snatches it from your grasp. He stares at it intently. Opening to the bookmarked page, he begins pouring over its contents. As he reads, you notice an ominous green light begin to emerge through a window, and, looking out, you see the landscape of the town beginning to drift away into the distance. Panicked, you rush down the stairs and out the building, but as you exit you find yourself in a very alien landscape.

The buildings remain in roughly the same location as before, and they possess a similar size, but all have taken on a very different character. More abstract, as if they were composed of clumps of wasp nests or some other such material. The town square is filled with people, as before, but they too have taken on a different likeness. Now they appear more insectoid in appearance, with fluttering wings and chitinous exteriors.

This is all too much for your mind to fully comprehend – never before have you had such an experience as this. It is a rare occurrence in life that one gets to feel an entirely new sensation. When they arise, the usual mental tricks one uses to steady the ship and steer away from turbulent waters are found to be of little use. You feel naked, like a babe born anew.

As you remain standing, one of the insectoid creatures approaches you and asks for the time. You recognize the voice as belonging to Samulius, a local baker who you have had some previous dealings with. Initially startled, you quickly collect your wits, reach for your pocket watch, and inform Samulius that it is a quarter to 11. He thanks you, and scurries away.

THE END

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