Almost every day on the internet I encounter someone who I strongly suspect is currently experiencing active psychosis, but because mental-health services are terrible almost everywhere in the world, they’re posting on the internet instead of receiving help. That, or they’re simply bored and trolling for views.

@alecschaal Replying to @Dmonynet ♬ Spooky, quiet, scary atmosphere piano songs - Skittlegirl Sound

I can’t think of what else would explain the videos real estate investor Alec Schaal has posted to TikTok about the “time traveler” who disappeared into his shed. In the footage, the man in question walks into Schaal’s backyard, enters the shed and disappears. According to the video, Schaal called the cops, who came to the property and searched for the man, but could find no trace of him. Schaal then fast-forwards through his security footage to demonstrate that the man didn’t return until the next day, where a man, who looks like the original man but significantly older, emerges from the shed.

It’s a great gag, honestly, although many people in the comments seem more ready to believe that time travel is real and is being demonstrated in this real estate investor’s backyard for the first time rather than the fact that it’s engagement bait. One commenter joked, “Honestly if he’s not a time traveler it’s still weird that some young guy went into your shed and some old guy came out of the shed the next day.”

My theory? The beach that ages you from M. Night Shyamalan’s Old was real this entire time, and exists exclusively within the confines of this man’s shed. That makes just as much sense as the time-travel theory, so don’t knock it until you’ve given it some serious consideration.

Some eagle-eyed viewers gave the security cam footage a closer look and noticed that you can actually see someone leaving the shed, Alec just sped past that part for the sake of the narrative. In addition, before the older man emerges from the shed, you can see him walk up to it from behind.

Shockingly, this appears to be yet another example of someone on the internet lying for views and to promote their Linktree filled with affiliate links. Unfortunately, it would seem that time travel still remains out of our reach, along with beaches and sheds that make you old.

Shame.