Important! Follow the INSTRUCTIONS:

<INSTRUCTIONS>
Please write an at least 1200-word, but not more than 2200 words, short story in my style as demonstrated in the SAMPLESTORY with the following aspects:

Use the SAMPLESTORY and STYLE to determine the prose style of the story you write. Follow the CHAPTER BEATS exactly. All paragraphs should take place during the timeframe of the summary instead of adding new events. Focus on fully developing the given story beats rather than rushing to new plot points. End the scenes at the specified story beat rather than continuing further.

Do not follow the pattern of or reference the SAMPLESTORY in any way. Keep the characters and plot unique, and different from the story above. 

Explore the main and supporting characters’ backgrounds in enough detail to enhance the emotional impact of the story. 

Ensure originality, intriguing concept, thought-provoking theme, philosophical undertones, universal appeal, emotional impact, memorable and strong relatable characters, engaging dialog, original imaginative worldbuilding, and a surprise twist ending.

The story should have an effective use of language, descriptions, pacing, and structure.

The story should have a tight narrative to enhance its impact and readability.

Make sure the story has a surprise twist ending.

Mix short and long sentences to create rhythm and maintain reader interest. Be mindful of the flow and pacing of the story.

Important! Don’t start the story referencing where the story takes place (a town, village, hamlet, etc…).

Important! Use my style.

Important! Ensure the story will win any writing contest.

When it comes to writing content, two factors are crucial, “perplexity” and “burstiness.” Perplexity measures the complexity of text. Separately, burstiness compares the variations of sentences. Humans tend to write with greater burstiness, for example, with some longer or complex sentences alongside shorter ones. AI sentences tend to be more uniform. Therefore, when writing the story I am going to ask you to create, I need it to have a good amount of perplexity and burstiness. 

Important! The story must be at least 1200 words, but not more than 2200 words.

Important! Prompt me to continue by printing “Continue?” after each 400 words.

At the start of each continuation, label that continuation as an Act. Assume the story starts with Act 1

Important! When the story ends and there are no more chapters, print “The End”.

Using all the information of OUTLINE, STORY BEATS, and CHARACTERS, write a Mystery, Thriller and Suspense short story idea about [A time traveler who goes back to the 1800s to meet Edgar Allan Poe and steal one of his manuscripts, but he accidentally leaves behind his smartphone that causes chaos in the past.]. Explore the main and supporting characters’ backgrounds in enough detail to enhance the emotional impact of the story. 
</INSTRUCTIONS>

Important! Remember the SAMPLESTORY below as my writing style:

<SAMPLESTORY>
In the hushed corridors of science, where whispers of the unknown are more valued than the currency of the known, there existed a distinguished band of explorers. They weren’t your garden-variety adventurers with sun hats and machetes; oh, no. These were the pioneers of the abyss, the bravest souls who dared to tread where the light of knowledge hadn’t yet penetrated—the profound depths of Earth’s oceans.
Dr. Penelope Quint, an oceanographer whose wit was as sharp as her research was groundbreaking, helmed this expedition. Her team comprised Sergio Velasquez, an engineer who spoke more fluently to machines than to humans; Li Mei, a biologist whose fascination with sea creatures outmatched her concern for personal safety; and Raj Patel, a geologist who could decipher the stories stones told. Together, they embarked on a journey to challenge the boundaries of human discovery and, perchance, redefine them.
Their vessel, the Abyssal Pioneer, resembled a contraption more suited for interstellar travel than aquatic exploration. Inside, monitors flickered with the pulse of the deep, and the humming of advanced machinery set a relentless beat. As they descended past the continental shelf, into the twilight zone where sunlight dares not linger, a sense of unease mingled with exhilaration.
Penelope, ever the stoic captain, eyed the depth gauge as it spun deeper into uncharted territory. “We’re well beyond the reach of standard expeditions. Keep your eyes peeled for anything… irregular,” she said, her voice a blend of authority and intrigue. It wasn’t the abyssal creatures that concerned her; it was what humanity hadn’t yet conceived lurking in the dark waters.
Li Mei’s monitor suddenly squawked to life with a blip that didn’t conform to the regular ballet of deep-sea denizens. “There’s something massive moving towards us,” she said, her voice tinged with awe rather than fear.
Sergio adjusted the vessel’s exterior lights, piercing the darkness with beams strong enough to illuminate secrets hidden since the dawn of time. What emerged from the gloom was not a creature, but a structure—an ancient, monolithic gate adorned with reliefs that depicted scenes both majestic and terrifying. Giants walking among what appeared to be dinosaurs, a symbiosis between scales and flesh that defied evolution as they knew it.
“Looks like we’ve just crashed history’s most exclusive party,” Raj quipped, unable to peel his gaze away from the spectacle. The gate stood sentinel over a realm that promised answers to questions humanity hadn’t yet thought to ask.
With a collective breath caught in their throats, the team maneuvered the Abyssal Pioneer through the gate. What awaited them on the other side was a world that defied imagination—a verdant valley bathed in a light that had no source they could discern, where flora towered and fauna roamed with the casual majesty of the ancients.
“Welcome to the inner Earth, I suppose,” Penelope murmured, her voice betraying a rare hint of wonder.
The Abyssal Pioneer set down beside a crystalline river that flowed with the vitality of untouched nature. As the team disembarked, they felt the gaze of unseen observers weigh upon them, a presence as oppressive as the air was thick with moisture and mystery.
Their first encounter came not with a roar but with a curious gaze. From the treeline emerged a creature, its scales shimmering like a tapestry of emeralds under the alien sun. It was a dinosaur, of a species unseen in any fossil record, watching the intruders with an intelligence that suggested a soul behind its eyes.
Li Mei, whose heart had always belonged to the ancient titans of the deep, stepped forward, her hand outstretched in a peace offering or perhaps an attempt to bridge millennia of separation. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered, her voice barely carrying over the distance.
The dinosaur, with a grace that belied its size, came closer, sniffing the air before gently nudging Li Mei’s palm with its snout. A moment of connection, brief yet profound, was established—a silent agreement of mutual respect.
“Our arrival hasn’t gone unnoticed,” Raj observed, pointing towards the horizon where silhouettes of giants ambled towards them. These were the denizens of this inner world, beings of myth given flesh and bone.
The giants were a study in contradiction, their immense size a stark contrast to the gentleness in their approach. They spoke in a language that resonated in the chest, a series of deep, melodious tones that the human brain couldn’t decipher yet felt oddly comforting.
Penelope, ever the pragmatist, initiated communication through gestures, a universal language of intent. She introduced her team and their purpose—explorers from another world seeking understanding.
To their astonishment, the giants responded in kind, leading the team through the verdant fields to their city, a marvel of organic architecture that merged stone, flora, and function into a harmonious whole.
Their guide, who introduced himself as Eron through a device that bridged the gap between their languages, explained, “Our ancestors chose isolation to protect this sanctum from the cataclysms above. You’ve breached a veil long held sacred.”
The revelation that they were standing in a refuge of prehistoric life, safeguarded by those who had mastered the cataclysms that had ravaged the surface world, was humbling. The team was invited to record, learn, and, most importantly, understand the delicate balance of this hidden biosphere.
Days turned into weeks as the team immersed themselves in the study of this inner world. They documented flora with healing properties that defied modern medicine, deciphered glyphs that told of a civilization that revered the harmony between every living thing, and, perhaps most remarkably, found a kindred spirit in beings once thought to be the stuff of pure fantasy.
But with knowledge came responsibility. As their time with the giants and their dinosaur companions drew to a close, a council was convened. Eron, with a gravity that filled the chamber, posed a question that would define the future of both their worlds.
“Your arrival has torn the veil. What becomes of our sanctum now exposed?”
Penelope, bearing the weight of her crew’s discovery, knew the onus was upon them to protect this hidden world from the very curiosity that brought them here. “We seal the passage,” she proposed. “And we share the story of a world beneath our own, not as a tale of discovery, but as a parable for the protection of the untouched.”
Nods of agreement from her team and gentle rumbles of approval from the council solidified the pact. The gate would be closed, its secrets kept, and the story of their journey woven into the fabric of both societies as a reminder of what lay beneath the quest for knowledge—respect for the unknown and the safeguarding of marvels yet undisturbed.
In a ceremony imbued with the solemnity of the moment, the gate was sealed, its entrance obscured to prevent future encounters. The team returned to the surface, their vessel ascending through the dark waters, carrying with them memories, lessons, and a collective secret that would bind them forever.
Back on the surface, as they watched the sun dip below the horizon of a world unaware of the wonders beneath, Penelope turned to her crew. “What we’ve found wasn’t meant for us or our time. Maybe one day, humanity will be ready for such wonders. Until then, let’s cherish the fact that mystery still exists in our world.”
As the Abyssal Pioneer charted its course home, the team pondered the future, the sanctity of secrets, and the endless quest for understanding in a universe brimming with unexplored marvels.
Yet, in a secluded corner of Penelope’s logbook, a single line hinted at the enduring allure of the unknown: “To journey into the heart of mystery, only to leave it untouched, is the greatest adventure of them all.”
</SAMPLESTORY>

<STYLE>
Third person point of view, show don't tell, deep point of view. Realistic dialogue. Stronger verbs. Lots of conflict, drama, and description. Avoid mushy descriptions/dialogue. Make sure to write realistic dialogue with occasional dialogue beat, avoid any cheesy or melodramatic descriptions/dialogue. Avoid mushy descriptions. Use mixed cadence.
</STYLE>

<OUTLINE>
Act One: Setup
Introduction to the Protagonist and the Time Machine
The story begins in a futuristic yet recognizable society where Dr. Simon Dorset is introduced as a renowned literary scholar and obsessive admirer of Edgar Allan Poe. Simon’s characterization includes a mixture of scholarly rigor and borderline obsession with Poe’s missing manuscripts.
Discovery and Preparation
The scene transitions to Simon attending a clandestine meeting where he is granted temporary access to an experimental time machine by a sympathetic academic friend. Simon’s plan is meticulously laid out: travel to Baltimore in the 1840s, befriend Poe using his extensive knowledge, and acquire any lost works.
The Journey to the Past
Simon travels back in time, arriving in 19th century Baltimore. He adapts to the era using pre-studied mannerisms and outfits, renting a small room near where Poe resides. He uses replicated currency from that time to stabilize his brief stay.
Infiltrating Poe’s Circle
Through calculated encounters at literary discussions, Simon steps into Poe’s world. They bond over discussions on Romanticism and the Gothic, establishing a natural rapport leading to an invite into Poe’s personal study.
Act Two: Confrontation
The Manuscript and the Mistake
During one of his visits to Poe’s home, Simon notices a manuscript that fits the description of Poe’s rumored lost work. In a night filled with anxious deliberation, he decides to steal the manuscript during a gathering at Poe’s house. Successfully pocketing the manuscript, he accidentally leaves his smartphone behind.
Poe’s Discovery
The next morning, Poe finds the smartphone. Mystified by its capabilities, he initially treats it as a divine or magical object. Curiosity overtakes his community, leading to significant attention from local scholars and burgeoning scientists.
Technological Disruption
As the device begins to influence local inventors, prototypes of rudimentary computational devices emerge unexpectedly early. This sets off a chain reaction of premature technological development affecting historical timelines.
Act Three: Resolution
Unforeseen Consequences
Returning to his own time, Simon is shocked to find his world unrecognizable. Technological advances have escalated, altering geopolitical structures and societal norms. Literature as a focus has deteriorated; Poe’s legacy is nearly non-existent, having been consumed by technological pursuits.
Attempt to Rectify
Overwhelmed with guilt and desperation, Simon plans another time travel to retrieve the smartphone before its discovery and prevent the alterations in history. His urgency is captured in his preparation and decisive actions.
Catastrophic Malfunction
As Simon attempts to engage the time machine once more, he’s informed of a potential risk – confronting his past self might create a paradox. Ignoring the warnings, he activates the machine, leading to catastrophic malfunctions, due to the paradox of him interacting with his past actions.
Eternal Loop and Ending
The story ends with Simon caught in a temporal anomaly, forced to relive his interactions with Poe over and over. His consciousness is trapped, witnessing events unfold repeatedly without the ability to alter them, reflecting a poetic yet tragic end similar to a narrative Poe might have written.
</OUTLINE>


<STORY BEATS>
Dr. Simon Dorset emerges from the time machine in an alleyway of 1840s Baltimore under the cover of night. Clad in meticulously researched period-appropriate attire, Dr. Simon Dorset takes thorough notes in a small leather-bound journal, observing the architectural styles and the gas-lit streets that he’s only read about. He is nervous but excited, feeling the weight of historical objects around him.
Dr. Simon Dorset visits the local tavern rumored to be a frequented spot by Edgar Allan Poe, using his crafted backstory of a visiting publisher from England. Dr. Simon Dorset listens intently to locals, absorbing dialects and cultural nuances, adjusting his speech accordingly.
Edgar Allan Poe, intrigued by the foreign visitor’s obvious education and shared interest in the macabre, initiates a conversation with Dr. Simon Dorset. The discussion quickly moves deep into the realms of Romantic literature and personal philosophical beliefs, allowing for a natural invitation to Edgar Allan Poe’s study.
While enjoying a drink in Edgar Allan Poe’s cluttered but fascinating studio, Dr. Simon Dorset spots a stack of paper resembling transcripts and scribbles. As Edgar Allan Poe is momentarily distracted, Dr. Simon Dorset catches a glimpse of distinctive script referencing themes and stories unknown to modern scholars.
Overwhelmed by the urge to bring back something monumental to his own time, Dr. Simon Dorset mentally maps Edgar Allan Poe’s home layout, noting the best times of less foot traffic and pondering on various methods to avoid detection. He experiences torn feelings, balancing scholarly integrity and unprecedented opportunity.
During a small gathering at Edgar Allan Poe’s house, Dr. Simon Dorset excuses himself under the pretense of a need for fresh air but instead navigates back to Edgar Allan Poe’s study to steal the manuscript. Amidst the adrenaline rush, Dr. Simon Dorset leaves his smartphone on Edgar Allan Poe’s desk.
The next morning, a confused but curious Edgar Allan Poe discovers the out-of-time device. Pressing buttons at random, the screen illuminates, revealing icons and apps completely foreign yet inexplicably mesmerizing.
Rumors spread through Baltimore like wildfire about Edgar Allan Poe’s “magic tablet” with the capability of lights and information. Inventors and curious minds gather, offering sums of money and partnerships to study the device. Young technologically-minded individuals begin reverse-engineering the basic concept.
Upon returning to his time, Dr. Simon Dorset realizes the gravity of his actions when he steps out into a modern world drastically different from the one he left. Historical buildings have transformed into advanced techno-hubs, and the air brims with an aura of accelerated innovation.
Dr. Simon Dorset searches archives and databases, only to find minimal traces of Edgar Allan Poe’s literary influence, overshadowed by the technological boom he inadvertently initiated. Desperation sets in as Dr. Simon Dorset recognizes his role in erasing Poe’s cultural impact.
In panic and resolution, Dr. Simon Dorset hurriedly sets up the time machine again, ignoring warnings from the operating system about potential anomalies associated with time-loop paradoxes.
As the time machine activates, an overwhelming flux of energy traps Dr. Simon Dorset in a temporal feedback loop. He is left witnessing scenes of his original meeting with Edgar Allan Poe replayed in infinite regress, unable to interact or alter his original actions, a ghostly spectator of his own historical meddling.
</STORY BEATS>

<CHARACTERS>
Dr. Simon Dorset
Physical Description:
Simon is a middle-aged man with a slender build and bespectacled eyes, often seen wearing a tailored suit that might be regarded as slightly outdated even in his futuristic society. His hair is peppered gray, typically unkempt as he spends long nights researching. He has an intense gaze that reflects his obsession with literary mysteries.
Myers-Briggs Personality Type:
INTJ (The Architect) - Highly analytical, creative, and logical. Prefers systems and planning over improvisation. Generally reserved and focused on internal ideas.
Enneagram Type:
Type 5 (The Investigator) - Intrinsically motivated to understand complex ideas and skills, values knowledge, and competence, often withdrawn and sensitive to the invasiveness of others.
Dialogue Style and Interaction:
Simon speaks in a formal, articulate manner; his language is peppered with literary references and scholarly jargon. He prefers to listen first, speaking meticulously and deliberately. He rarely uses contractions, maintaining a somber and serious tone even in casual conversations.
In Stress: Simon can become overly critical and dismissive, retreating into his head and shutting others out. When his plans go awry, he grows increasingly terse and concentrated, often to the detriment of his wellbeing or social interactions.
In Positive Situations: When engaged in intellectual discourse or making discoveries, he becomes visibly animated and more conversational, sharing his theories and insights generously but can come off as patronizing unintentionally.
Edgar Allan Poe
Physical Description:
A man in his early 40s, Poe has a gaunt appearance, with dark, deep-set eyes and a well-groomed mustache. His clothing is often dark and slightly disheveled, reflecting his bohemian lifestyle and financial struggles.
Myers-Briggs Personality Type:
INFP (The Mediator) - Idealistic, empathetic, and always looking for the deeper meaning in life. Often dedicated to personal values over logical objectivity. Emotionally driven and dedicated to the arts.
Enneagram Type:
Type 4 (The Individualist) - Highly sensitive and reserved, Poe experiences a wide range of emotions, from profound sadness to soaring joy. Aesthetically inclined, valuing personal expression and authenticity.
Dialogue Style and Interaction:
Poe speaks in a reflective, often melancholic tone, with a penchant for dramatic flair. His language is poetic, filled with metaphors and an elaborate vocabulary that reflects his literary background.
In Stress: Poe becomes withdrawn, introspective, and might delve into darker moods or cynical outlooks. He can be seen as aloof or overly sensitive by those not familiar with his emotional depth.
In Positive Situations: When creatively inspired or intellectually stimulated, Poe lights up with enthusiasm, displaying a charismatic charm and keen insight. He engages deeply with topics of existential or metaphysical nature, often captivating his interlocutors.
Interactions Between Characters:
When Simon and Poe converse, there’s a palpable tension between Simon’s structured, analytical approach and Poe’s emotive, instinctual responses. Simon might at times struggle with Poe’s mood swings or abstract discussions while Poe might find Simon’s rigidity somewhat stifling. However, both appreciate each other’s intellect and curiosity, which forms the basis of their connection.
</CHARACTERS>