Pleasant Journey

"Pleasant Journey" by Richard Thieme is a science fiction tale that plunges into the depths of manufactured happiness. The story centers on a groundbreaking ride called "Journey Home", a device that invites people to wander the corridors of their minds through vivid, custom-made realities, shining a spotlight on the dangers of retreating from real life in pursuit of manufactured joy. When a carnival scout named Roger Allenby tries out Jenkins' unusual invention, he enters a world that mirrors his fondest memories and desires; scenes of sunny meadows and cozy landscapes. Even though the interaction lasts for a brief moment, Allenby is faced with a difficult decision to either give in to the allure of staying in a world created in his own mind or go back to his normal life, hinting at a deeper warning about the risks involved with choosing dreams over reality.