writing prompt: write a diary entry from a person getting out of a 30-year coma and describe something unfamiliar to them from their point of view.

We’re definitely not in ’94 anymore. Is this even the future though? It feels like I’m in an episode of the Twilight Zone, but at the same time, not. Where are the flying cars and jetpacks? All of our perceptions were wack. When I get back to my time, I’ll have to tell everyone they were wrong. Something odd about 2024 is the term “influencer.” My niece (I know, it’s weird for me to say too) says they’re basically famous people. But I think she’s confusing 30 second videos with a continuous infomercial. Aren’t they just selling things? The other “influencers” seem to me like poser reality TV stars, except it’s not on TV; it’s on “TikTok,” whatever that is. People just seem to get hella weirder. They make raunchy, shabby dances and become famous? Doesn’t seem like all that to me. If I wanted to become famous, I would join the porn industry, which seems to be popularized now. What a weird world I transported to.

I wonder how I’ll get back to 1994. I’m a little confused how I got here. My sister told me I was in a coma–as if! There wasn’t an accident or anything; I was only sleeping. Maybe that’s how it happened. If I just go back to sleep, I’ll be transported back. Aight, I’m out, peace!

I’m still here. How am I still here? I need to chill… If my sister is right, and I really did get in an accident, maybe I can fix my brain and dip. Or this is just me now. Forty-six and a spinster? No way! In the movies, people go about their day, maybe even finding a scientist or something that could help. I mean, that’s what happened in Back to the Future, right? So, I’ll get a job! I pass as an adult anyway. I wonder if Rave is still open.