The 1980s

As his bearings slowly returned, the first thing Ben noted was a funky tune floating through the air and reaching his ears. His drowsy mind struggled to place it, though he had certainly heard it before. Michael Jackson? Vaguely sounded like that.

His eyes regained focus and he frowned, trying to bring clarity to his surroundings. Had his Mom changed his sheets without him realising? It looked like a handmade quilt had been thrown clumsily over his bed.

Other things began to slowly come into focus. Things were different. It was definitely his room, but things had been moved. His computer was gone. His books and comics as well.

Posters hung on his walls, but they were of various rock bands. Queen, Kiss, AC/DC. He felt a wave of frustration rise up within him. Had his dad done this while he slept?

The old man had never liked Ben’s “nerdy pursuits” and the bastard was petty enough to pull something like this.

Growling to himself he got to his feet and marched over to the door, only pause when he noticed the blinking light of the device on the floor.

His confusion deepened when he read the time and date written on its digital screen.

9:00 AM

March 20th

1989

Confusion ran through him, his rage being extinguished at once. He picked up the little discus shape and stared at it. The screen blinked off at once and he couldn’t get it going again, no matter how much he tapped and swiped at the screen.

Grumbling to himself he pocketed the device, it would be a problem for another time. He opened his bedroom door…

…and was immediately met with a shriek of surprise.