Do take it slow if you need--just because the barrier's in a nonstandard place doesn't make it any less intense. But I think your kidself had the seed of a very powerful idea.

(I'm a little biased, I admit, because about a month ago I successfully wrote a story based on a concept I've had hanging around for a dozen years, and it might've been awesome. Would like to share the awesome!)

Good luck as you embark--it might take a few tries and a lot of time, but there's something compelling there.