THE ECHOES OF TIME

t the light in a way that made it shimmer as if it held secrets within. She had read the notes scribbled by the museum's previous curator, whispering tales of its mysterious origin and the legend

an inexplicable mix of fear and exhilaration surging through her as she was drawn into the depths of time itself. When she finally opened her eyes, she found herself lying on the cool ground, the air thick with the scent of earth and something smoky. Blinking in disbelief, she sat up slowly, her heart pounding in her chest as she took in the surroundings. Gone were the modern exhibits and sterile lighting of the museum. Instead, she was surrounded by rugged landscape and wooden homes that seemed untouched by time. "What just happened?" she whispered, grappling with reality. The sound of distant voices reached her ears, igniting both excitement and trepidation. Maya rose to her feet, brushing off her clothes, and took a deep breath-this was not a dream. Ahead, she spotted a group of people gathered around a large fire, their attire distinctly from another era. The men wore tattered clothes, and the women moved with purpose, carrying baskets and speaking animatedly. Maya felt a magnetic pull to approach them, her heart racing with a mix of