When you realize halfway up the stairs you’ve left your phone at home… again.
In the city beneath the viaduct, a peculiar phenomenon occurred every night. As dusk settled in, an unassuming stairway became the portal to a world of unexpected adventures. It was rumored that whoever climbed these stairs after dusk might find themselves whisked away into a whimsical land full of delightful absurdity.
Oliver, a young night-owl with a knack for finding trouble, decided to test these claims. One breezy evening, carrying nothing but a satchel of snacks, he set forth. As he ascended, each step seemed to hum with anticipation. Initially, all seemed normal until he hit the third stair, where his left foot tingled. By the tenth step, the air shimmered with a hint of magic.
Suddenly, a vibrant flash enveloped Oliver, and he found himself standing amidst a bustling carnival. Folk of all kinds greeted him warmly, some appearing human and others enchantingly not. There was Merriweather, the juggling jester whose hats had a mind of their own, and Farolin, the chef who crafted gourmet delights out of anything you handed him. Business cards turned into edible trading cards of rich chocolate and the funniest jokes.
Oliver wandered through the festival, soaking in laughter and joy. The highlight was the Grand Staircase Race, an all-night event where contestants raced up and down the endless stairs, their paths changing with each descent.
Oliver joined the race, his heart pounding with thrill. Despite his lack of skill in mystical races, he sprinted past unicorns, dodged flying carpets, and leapt over walking teacups with finesse. Astonishingly, he won third prize: a perpetual glowing marble that illuminated the darkest nights.
As dawn approached, Oliver bid farewell to his newfound friends, carrying stories and laughter back up the stairs. Returning to the cityscape, he realized he had conquered the fabled stairway and earned a treasure trove of memories.
Henceforth, Oliver visited often, each trip yielding new tales of whimsy and enchantment, making each ascent a new chapter in his extraordinary story.
