[ WP ] While cleaning your attic , you find a box of glass balls with names on them . You accidentally drop one , and as soon as it shatters , a person appears .

`` That's all right, just put me back.'' 
 
 `` What?'' 
 
 The old man scrunched up his features to a single point in the center of his face. `` Oh, my, I thought you were someone else.'' 
 
 `` Who?'' 
 
 `` Never mind that. This is an opportunity.'' 
 
 `` How?'' 
 
 `` Sort of a questioning sort, are n't you. What's your name?'' 
 
 `` Alec.'' 
 
 `` Right. Can you help me?'' 
 
 `` With what?'' 
 
 `` Some clothes, for starters.'' 
 
 `` I guess I could find you something.'' 
 
 `` In the meantime, do n't look down.'' The old man grinned. `` Vertigo, see?'' 
 
 `` Right. The attic,'' Alec said. `` What's your name?'' 
 
 `` Probably not pronounceable to you. I'm in sort of a hurry.'' 
 
 `` Right, okay, let's get you something to wear.'' Alec felt that by talking he might be able to stumble into a useful thought somewhere along the line. He scrounged in a nearby cardboard box and lucked into a pair of ancient slacks and a sweater from Nixon's heyday. 
 
 `` Stylish,'' the old man said, but put them on anyway. `` Also, I'm going to need to use a restroom.'' 
 
 `` Okay, sure. Probably been a while, huh.'' 
 
 `` Yes it has.'' 
 
 `` Come on down the stairs.'' 
 
 Alec indicated the correct room and the old man vanished within. Ten minutes and six flushes later, Alec knocked on the wood. `` You okay?'' 
 
 No response. 
 
 `` You need help?'' 
 
 Again, nothing. 
 
 Alec breathed heavily and paced for another ten minutes, then knocked three more times. 
 
 `` I'm coming in.'' 
 
 The door was locked. He found a screwdriver and tripped the basic locking mechanism. He turned the knob and opened the door. 
 
 Inside was another attic. That was odd: this had been a bathroom when he'd abused it earlier that morning. 
 
 `` Hello?'' Alec heard nothing but echoes. He wandered across wooden beams until he found a box identical to the one he'd found in his first attic. Inside were more glass balls. He picked one up and studied it. 
 
 Then he put it back and left the new attic, closing the door behind him. 
 
 When he sold the house he forgot to list the second attic. 
 
 r/GubbinalWrites
