Escape RealT

Chapter 1: A Routine Check-Up Dr. Evelyn Carter's laboratory was an organized chaos, a sanctuary for a scientist who thrived on precision amid disorder. Her desk, cluttered with coffee cups and experimental notes, was a testament to late nights and relentless curiosity. Evelyn was a rising star in microbiology, a field she pursued with fervor and an edge of sarcastic wit that often caught her colleagues off guard. "You know," she muttered to herself as she pipetted a bright red solution into a test tube, "if I had a dollar for every time someone asked if I could ‘cure’ a virus, I’d have enough to buy a vacation to somewhere without petri dishes." Her assistant, Mark, peered over the edge of a microscope, adjusting the focus. “Dr. Carter, I don’t think the concept of ‘vacation’ exists in your world anymore.” “True,” Evelyn replied dryly. “But a girl can dream.” Mark’s laugh was cut short by the urgent ring of Evelyn’s phone. She answered, her face tightening into

Sarah Jensen jolted awake, her heart racing. The room was unfamiliar, its sleek, minimalist design in stark contrast to her cluttered, cozy apartment. She was in a plush, white bed with a high-tech control panel beside her. Panic set in as she scrambled to her feet, her mind whirling. The last thing she remembered was falling asleep in her own bed, exhausted after a grueling day at her job as a journalist. A soft chime interrupted her frantic thoughts. A holographic screen flickered to life, displaying a message: “Good morning, Ms. Jensen. Welcome to your new reality.” “Ms. Jensen?” Sarah echoed, her voice tinged with confusion. She glanced around the room, noticing the futuristic gadgets and the breathtaking view of a sprawling cityscape outside the window. She stumbled out of bed and approached the window, her breath catching at the sight below. The city was a glittering labyrinth of towering skyscrapers and flying vehicles. This wasn’t the urban sprawl of her old life; this was some