Michael's house

You're still overwhelmed by your situation, but you try to pull your thoughts together. "Imagine where I want to be..."

Ideally, you'd want somewhere that feels safe and welcoming in your disoriented state, but also somewhere where you'll be sure of finding woman or two between 18 and 40. A few locations come to mind, and after some thought, you settle on the home of an old high school buddy, Michael. Sure, you've got closer friends than him, but Mike still lives at home with his parents, and you've always had a thing for his mom, who had children young. On further consideration, you realize he also has a younger sister, who is nearly 18. That seals the deal; worst-case scenario, you play some video games with your friend. Best-case scenario... Well, you don't want to jinx it.

"Got a place in mind, have you?" Charles asks. "Alright then. I'll be opening the door now. The light's gonna be a bit blinding at first, but just will yourself and walk on through, understand?"

Giving him another affirmative nod, he clasps the metal of the silver handle and pulls backwards, slowly swinging the massive door open. It creaks as a powerful light escapes from its depths, engulfing the area and cutting your vision off entirely.

"Remember, lad," you hear Charles speak up as you close your eyes in the shower of light. "Don't overthink things. It's that simple, you hear?"

Unable to see anything around you or confirm your surroundings, you take a step forward into the light...

...

...

Your foot lands softly, cushioned by the well-trimmed grass of Mike's front lawn. His father spends what little free time he has gardening, and it shows; the otherwise average suburban home is surrounded on all sides by immaculate lawn punctuated with flower beds.

You look up, blinking at the bright sunlight. It must be approaching noon, which means Mike's father will be at work, and his sister at school. He, and more importantly, his mother, should be around here somewhere.