A Hatch

William only knew it was a hatch by feel, so dark was the top of the ladder. Luckily for him, a metal cage encased the top six or so feet of the ladder, so he had something to lean against as he worked his muscles to turn the locking mechanism holding the hatch closed. He hoped that he'd be out of the bunker soon; William had never been claustrophobic, but the combination of the dark and the tight spaces were starting to make the walls feel like they were closing in on him.

Worst case scenario, William reminded himself as the hatch groaned under the stress of his work, is that he returns to where the crack had been. He was confident that he'd be able to find the room again, but opening the crack would be another issue. Maybe someone on the other side would open it for him, or maybe he'd find a way to do it from this side. Either way, he wanted to explore before he tried to go home.

The hatch cover gave a loud clunking noise indicating that it was now unlocked. Taking a step up the ladder, William put his shoulder against the round metal portal and pushed. Again, rusty hinges complained, but they gave way, and a rush of warm, fresh air washed over William. He blinked.

He was outside.

The difference in the light was profound. Inside had been dim at best, pitch black at worst. Outside the sun was shining brightly. Scattered clouds dotted the horizon on a vibrant blue sky. Around the hatch was think green grass and the smell of a forest. William smiled as he breathed in deeply. He climbed out of the hole and stood in the sunshine, soaking in the warmth of the day. He didn't know what changes had occurred in this reality that made it different from his own, but so far it was wonderful. Briefly he considered returning down the hatch, heading to his lab, and grabbing some equipment to measure the atmosphere, some survival gear, things that would help him in his exploration, but something in the warm air enticed him to throw caution to the wind.

William, taking deep breaths of the fresh forest air, took a step away from the hatch, then another, then another, and before he knew it, William was taking a leisurely stroll through the forest on an alien world.