The 60-second break out

The 60-second break out

In the concrete jungle where time seemed to sprint on marathons, Mia, a young woman with fiery red hair and eyes that held a spark of defiance, found herself trapped in a monotonous routine. Every day blurred into a relentless cycle of deadlines, overflowing subways, and the incessant roar of the city.

One fateful afternoon, as she sprinted down the stairs to catch the train home, a peculiar sensation washed over her. The world around her began to slow down, the once-deafening sounds morphing into a gentle hum. Startled, Mia spun around, her gaze darting across the platform. Everyone – businessmen glued to their phones, teenagers lost in earbuds, even the harried-looking conductor – stood frozen in a tableau.

A shiver of panic mixed with curiosity ran down her spine. Tentatively, Mia stepped forward, her sneakers whispering against the polished floor. In the center of the platform, a shimmering portal shimmered like a mirage. Without a second thought, she plunged through, the cool air swirling around her like a comforting embrace.

She emerged into a breathtaking scene. A sun-drenched meadow stretched before her, a tapestry of vibrant wildflowers swaying in a gentle breeze. Crystal-clear birdsong filled the air, a melody far sweeter than the city's honking symphony. Lost in this haven of tranquility, Mia wandered through the garden, her worries dissolving like mist in the morning sun.

Time seemed to flow differently here, each moment stretching into an eternity. Mia closed her eyes, letting the peace seep into her very core. For the first time in what felt like forever, she truly felt present.

But just as abruptly as it began, the moment ended. Mia's eyes snapped open to find herself back on the platform, the world resuming its frenetic pace. The businessman was barking into his phone, the teenagers argued over music, and the conductor bellowed impatiently.

Yet, something had shifted within her. The brief respite had served as a powerful reminder – a single minute stolen from the chaos could recharge the soul. With a newfound resolve and a secret smile playing on her lips, Mia boarded the train. The city's relentless rhythm might continue, but she now knew how to find a pocket of peace within the storm.