It had been three days since he woke up in the hospital, and the same nurse had consistently taken care of him.

Always kind and patient, her presence was a constant comfort in the unsettling new reality he found himself in.

Lying on the hospital bed, he was just starting to relax when the nurse walked in, holding a tablet.

She approached his bed and tapped on the screen.

"I have some news for you" she said, her tone gentle.

"What? Is it bad news?" he asked, a hint of worry colouring his voice.

"No, it's not bad news, but it's a bit complicated" the nurse replied with a cautious smile.

"Complicated? What do you mean?" His anticipation mixed with concern as he sat up slightly.

The nurse paused, choosing her words carefully. "We've been trying to find any records that match your identity, but so far, nothing has turned up in our databases. Because of this, the lab started a DNA test to help identify you and possibly locate any family members you might have here. However, it will take another two to three days to get any results."

He processed the news silently, a mix of relief and apprehension washing over him. The uncertainty gnawed at him.

In this strange, new world, even his own name felt like something he couldn't entirely claim.

What if it was different here, twisted by the strange journey through realities? Could he still be the same person, or was he just a shadow of who he used to be?

With everything so uncertain, he decided it was better to keep quiet, at least until he had more concrete answers.

"So, you're saying you don't know who I am... yet?"

"That's correct" she confirmed. "But we're hopeful the DNA test will provide us with the answers we need. It's the best next step to understanding your situation better."

"How soon will you have the results?" he asked, trying to mask his nervousness.

"We expect to have some initial findings in two to three days" she replied, offering a reassuring smile.

Determination filled his eyes as he looked at her. "Let's hope for the best. I want to know."

The nurse nodded, pleased with his resolve. "I'll keep you updated as soon as we have any information."

"Thank you" he said genuinely, feeling a strange comfort in taking proactive steps. "By the way, what's your name? I realize I've never asked."

"My name? It's Lily" the nurse replied with a gentle smile.

"Lily... That's a nice name. Thank you for everything, Lily. These past few days haven't been easy, but you've made them manageable" he expressed, his gratitude evident.

"You're welcome. I'll be back soon to check on you. For now, try to rest a bit more" Lily advised, her voice soothing.

As Lily left the room, he lay back, contemplating the implications of the DNA test. The lively scene outside the window was very different from the darkness of his past, sparking both hope and trepidation about his future.

What would the results reveal? Would they prove that he still had a place in this world, or would they confirm his fear that he was truly lost, a stranger in an alien reality?

As the day unfolded, the hospital discharged him but offered a place to stay until the DNA results were in.

Grateful, he wandered into the town, overwhelmed by its novel atmosphere. The advanced technology and unfamiliar architectural styles were starkly different from the harsh reality of his previous existence.

Towering buildings with sleek designs and strange devices that seemed to operate without human control made him feel like he had stepped into a world of science fiction.

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Memories of his old world... the flames, the harshness, the loss... suddenly flooded back, causing him to pause and gather himself amongst the bustle around him.

The sharp smell of burning wood, the sight of people scrambling for survival, the screams that echoed in his mind... it all felt too close, too vivid.

Most passers-by didn't notice him... they were engrossed in their own worlds, different from the often hostile interactions in his previous life.

Determined to push these memories aside, he continued exploring, each step a deliberate move away from his past and deeper into this new, mysterious existence.

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His exploration led him to an open area bordering the forest he presumed he had emerged from days earlier.

The town seemed to abruptly stop at the edge of the forest, as if the civilization didn't dare to get too close.

The trees loomed, their branches twisted and gnarled, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch out like claws. Driven by curiosity and by the lack of signs, he crossed into the forest.

Suddenly, he felt a firm tug on his shirt, pulling him back. He stumbled and fell, catching himself just before a sword slammed into the ground where he'd just been.

Gasping, he scrambled back, his heart pounding.

"And where do you think you are going?" a stern voice asked from behind him.

He turned to see a tall figure stepping forward, imposing and authoritative. The man's armour shined even in the dim light filtering through the trees, and his eyes drilled into him with an intensity that made him freeze. Frightened yet curious, he tried to back away, but the man was quicker.

"Nuh-uh, not so fast" the man said, gripping his shoulder firmly. "What are you doing in this dangerous place, boy?"

Trying to regain his composure, he stuttered, "I-I'm just exploring... I didn't mean to..."

"Well, lucky for you, I know who you are. You're coming with me" the man interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

As the man carried him away, recognition dawned on him. The shiny armor, the self-flying sword... it all looked identical to what he had seen when he was saved a few days ago.

"Um, sir... are you the one who saved me a few days ago?" he asked gently, cautious not to irritate the man.

The man smirked. "That would be correct, boy. You were close to death that day. You need to learn not to wander through these dangerous areas" he said, his tone firm yet with slight tenderness.

He remained silent, unwilling to provoke further questioning about his presence in the forest or the surreal experiences that had brought him there.

His journey through realities was too bizarre to explain without sounding mad.

As they arrived back at the hospital, Lily, the nurse who had been taking care of him, quickly approached them with a concerned look.

"What seems to be the problem?" Lily asked gently, her eyes scanning him for any signs of injury.

"This rascal here almost got himself killed again. You might want to consider tying him to the bed or something" the man said sarcastically, handing him over to Lily.

Lily's eyes widened slightly as she checked him over, her worry visible. But after seeing he was unharmed, her expression shifted to one of stern disapproval.

"I hope you've learned your lesson" she said, her voice firm. "Why on earth would you go back into the forest? Are you trying to get yourself killed for real this time?"

He met her gaze with pleading eyes. "I'm sorry, ma'am... I won't do it again" he said, his voice low and filled with shame.

After apologizing, he turned back to where the man had been standing, only to find that he had vanished without a trace.

He looked around, his eyes searching for any sign of him, but the man was nowhere to be found.

How did he disappear so quickly? Was he incredibly sneaky, or did he possess some kind of vanishing power? maybe invisibility or teleportation?

The mystery deepened, leaving him even more unsettled.