Nowhere

Anna sat in the very last desk in the very last row of Mrs. Monroe’s algebra class. Algebra was her hardest subject, and she often found herself staring out the window instead of taking notes.

Mrs. Monroe’s void always seemed to ramble on and on, until all that Anna could hear was a constant drone. Slowly, she felt herself drifting off. The room became blurry, and she felt her eyes slowly closing.

Anna awoke to the sound of a violin. She lifted her head off her desk and looked around. The classroom was empty. I must have missed the bus home, thought Anna. Then she realized the violin was still playing, which was odd. She walked to the door of her classroom and stepped outside. It was not her school’s hallway.

She was standing in a large grassy field. There was nothing around her. The violin, however, was still playing. She headed in the direction of the sound until she came to a rock. Behind the rock sat a young boy. As soon as Anna walked up, he stopped playing his violin and turned around.

“Hello,” he said. “Where did you come from?”

Anna turned to show him the door, but it had disappeared. “What is this place?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” said the boy calmly. “Nobody does.”

“You’re joking,” said Anna.

“No, I’m not,” said the boy. “I guess this place could be anywhere you wanted it to be.”

“It doesn’t look like it could,” said Anna. “How do I get out of here?”

“I have no idea,” said the boy casually. “You could stay here. It’s a lot better than algebra class, isn’t it?”

Anna froze, her eyes widening.

“I know,” he said eerily. Suddenly his eyes changed from blue to dark red.

Anna stifled a shriek.

“If you stay, all your problems will be gone,” he said.

“No,” said Anna, shaking. “I have to go home.” She began to run, faster and faster, until finally, she felt someone poking her shoulder.

“Wake up, Anna,” said a voice. “We’ll be late for English.”