“Warner!” I heard my mother scream my name.
Wait, what? My mother? “Mum? Is that you?” I jumped from the bed and stared at my room. It was a pretty plain place, with just a mattress thrown on the ground and a study table. But it was mine. “How? How am I back here?” I asked aloud, but no answer came. “If you don’t come down this instant, I’ll make sure you run errands every day for a week!” My mother threatened from downstairs, and I ran down, my heart hammering against my chest. “Mother? You’re here,” I jumped into her arms and began to weep, ugly tears running down my face. I didn’t think of looking cool then; that was the absolute last thing on my mind. “Are you fine, Warner? Did you eat something bad? What’s wrong with you?” My mom looked at me with concern, her warm green eyes more beautiful than any gemstone I’d ever seen. “Nothing is wrong, mom." I love you. I love you a lot. And I’m sorry.” The words came spilling out of me, and I didn’t bother to hold them back. I had a second chance, or was it a third? How many people had that? “Hmm, you might be running a fever. Grace! Come here and see if your brother is sick.” My mother called for my little sister, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But little Grace stepped on the landing, chewing a piece of gum. “Has someone suddenly decided to become a mummy’s boy? That’s not a good look on you, by the way,” young Grace said, her demeanor one of casual indifference. I left the arms of my mother and jumped into hers, hugging her with such intensity that it surprised even me. “You’re right, mother; he’s definitely sick. And it has to be terminal.” Grace joked, but she didn’t push me away. “I don’t know, Grace, what if your brother has been lonely and we couldn’t see it?” My mother tried to rationalize my actions, but I knew she was just trying to take the blame again. “I’m sorry, mom." I’m sorry, Grace. I’ve been an absolute douchebag to everyone. I promise to fix that,” I said, still hugging Grace. “You can say that again,” Grace quipped, and I smiled even through my tears. Seeing my family again, it felt like I’d been given a priceless gift. “Grace! You shouldn’t talk to your brother that way,” my mother chided, but I truly didn’t mind. If it were me before, I’d get all huffy and lock myself in my room for an indefinite period, with my mother bringing food to me. I wasn’t just a brat; I was an insufferable one. I had no idea how they could cope with me that way. But they loved me, even when I couldn’t see it. How was I so blind to the kindness that lived around me? How couldn’t I see it for what it was? “Forget the groceries for now; maybe we should do something together as a family. Your brother is feeling under the weather, so would you like to go run errands on his behalf?” Mother was talking to Grace, but I butted in immediately. “No, please. Give me one or two days, and I’ll get the groceries. Just don’t let her go on my behalf.” I knew I sounded desperate, but when my mother told Grace to go instead, I had a vivid recollection of the crash, and a shiver went through my body that had nothing to do with the cold. “I don’t know what’s going on with you, but you know you can tell me anything, right? I’m your mother, but I can also be your friend if you’d let me. Is it drugs? Women? Talk to me.” The worry lines creasing her forehead were causing almost physical pain to me, but I couldn’t tell her what happened because I wasn’t sure she’d believe me. I couldn’t even believe it. And the only consolation I had was that if I had returned to the moment in time before I went shopping for groceries, then I wouldn’t have gotten into an accident. And I wouldn’t mess up the lives of Elijah and Rebecca. They’d be with their families and not have to worry about me. The time slipper. Who would believe such a ludicrous theory? “Something happened, but it’s not something I can tell you now. I promise it’s nothing that severe,” I added in haste, seeing the look of concern that she and Grace shared. I was lying through my teeth, but it was because I needed to protect them. I needed to step up this time. “Okay, I’ll believe you. But remember, we’re your family. Whatever happens to you concerns us. And no matter what you’re going through, we can go through it together, as a family.” As she said that, the faces of Elijah and Rebecca flashed through my mind, and I pulled her and Grace into a hug again, my eyes tightly shut. I didn’t want to face the world, even though I knew I had to. I couldn’t escape it even if I wanted to, and I couldn’t make light of my situation even if I wanted to. According to what Rebecca and Elijah said, the “voice” activated after a traumatic experience, and that gave rise to new abilities. I didn’t bother going outside to see the world I was used to; there’d be enough time to do that later. I needed to keep a hold on my family to make sure nothing happened that would destroy the tranquility that we’d formed. And I was going to protect our peace, even if I didn’t know how to do that yet. I wasn’t going to give up, no. And if Anukai were to ever return, I needed to be ready. To face the darkness and come out on top. Because that was the only way to survive. I needed to evolve.For the next two weeks, I did everything with my family. I couldn’t stand to be apart from them even for a short while, and even though it must have been a gross inconvenience, they took it in good fun. Of course, bathing and private time were an exception. But everything else that could be done by a family, we did. We played board games, went to amusement parks, and did things we didn’t usually do. Mother even took a leave from work to take care of me, and Grace was on holiday. So, it was the perfect time. But I couldn’t sit still. Everything spooked me; everything made me worry. I was losing sleep, and I was losing myself too. My paranoia became an all-time high, and if anybody wanted to leave the house, no matter the time, I kept watch like a hawk and didn’t budge. “Okay, this has gone on long enough. Can you tell me what happened? What’s gotten you out of sorts? You’re acting so unlike yourself, and I thought it’d be different after a week, but nothing has changed. You used
“Warner!” My mother screamed from the top of the stairs, her eyes blazing with anger. I knew that look; it was one I always tried to avoid.“I’m here, mom,” I said.“It’s been one week. I sent you to restock the house, didn’t I? But you keep making excuses. It’s just a few blocks away. Why, if your dad was here—“ she stopped, placing a hand over her mouth. I didn’t say a word. I didn’t need to.“I’ll go now. Sorry, mother.” I didn’t look back; I kept walking, holding onto the credit card with a viselike grip. My father was a truly admirable man; everybody loved him. Even my little sister. But he died when I was 12, and everything changed. Even though he died in the line of duty, he was gradually forgotten by everyone around him. It didn’t matter that he fought for his country; it didn’t matter why he did it. Nobody cared. And the world was always going to go on. I needed to come to terms with that. My mother had been cold since then, and my little sister, who was three years younger
What the hell?Some people came to stare at me like I was some spectacle they’d never seen before. “Are you really okay?” A doctor with the kindest eyes I’d ever seen asked, her face filled with worry. I couldn’t understand why, though.“Never better,” I replied. They were overreacting to something as small as an accident, and I didn’t feel as much pain, which was curious.“How are you even—how’s this possible?” She seemed stumped for words, but I just shrugged. “The impact was bad, wasn’t it? Well, I’m fine now.” I smiled, all teeth. She looked at me, fixing the glasses at the bridge of her nose.“I don’t know how to say this, but... I wasn’t there.” She replied hesitantly, and I didn’t know why she bothered mincing words with me; she was a doctor and I was a patient. There was nothing else that held us together. “Of course, that’s to be expected. Where is my family? I want to tell them I’m awake.” I was happier than I’d been in a while, and nothing could dampen it, not even the c
“So, Mother died,” I said factually, still unable to wrap my head around it. First, my sister was way older than I could ever imagine, and I was 17. If she’d told me that I retained my youthful appearance, that wouldn’t be a problem for me.But less than 24 hours before, I was a vegetable of an old man, and waking up and still feeling slight pains didn’t add up. Aside from the fact that I wasn’t meant to be able to walk ever again, I was meant to be half-dead from the intensity of the crash. It was a monster truck going at breakneck speed.“Yes, she did. And she wanted to apologize.” Grace fidgeted, but I didn’t know why; I didn’t want to hear it. It was probably something sad or something that did not correlate with the current situation.“Don’t worry about it; I never held a grudge. Now, can I tell you my side of the story?” I asked, waiting for my time to speak. I started to mentally file the issues I was experiencing, and one thing stood out: I had no recollection of 50 years.Tha
A few weeks later, Grace came for me. She came with her "grandchildren,” which felt weird because they were all older than I was.“Hi,” I said, wondering if I needed to use honorifics. But I was older than they were, according to the future.“You’re alive!” She was a lady with the quirkiest personality I’d ever seen and one of Grace’s favorites because, apparently, she acted the opposite of me. This was told to me in confidence, of course.“Yes, unfortunately,” I quipped, and she placed a hand over her mouth in horror, as if I said something worth being lynched for. I wouldn’t know because I hadn’t exactly been active for the past 50 years. “Lay off, Rebecca. He’s technically our grand uncle.” A man of maybe 23 years old spoke, his prim and proper manners evident in his words. I wanted to get to know them more and see the people that came from Grace. They probably wouldn’t believe it if I told them about the antics Grace always got up to, so I decided not to. She needed to maintain
“Great uncle Warner, you don’t mind, do you?” Rebecca sent the cutest puppy dog expression I’d ever seen my way, and my heart positively melted. “Well, no, I don’t,” I replied with a bashful expression, unable to look her in the eye. I’ve never been one to act cool in situations such as this one.“Elijah!!! Get your butt down here!” Rebecca screamed out loud, and the very prim and proper Elijah poked his head out from the top of the stairs, his words coming out in grumbles.I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen him that way, which was a big step up from the stoic expression he always wore.“What do you need, Becca? I was reading for my post-graduate research on the phenomenon. The Theory of Evolution and the Powers That Be I don’t have time for your side quests,” Elijah said, and contrary to what I thought, he still made his way towards Rebecca after lots of grumbling.“Yeah, yeah, we know you’re the smart one. But listen, isn’t this a good time for you to put your big brains to work? We have
Rebecca humored me most of the time, and Saul was almost never around. So, I was stuck with Rebecca and Elijah, who were suddenly becoming my two favorite people in the world (sorry, young Grace).The life they lived was not too different from the life I was used to, except they had a Kaiju or two to think about, and I couldn’t use their appliances without almost hurting myself. Saul calls it healthy training, but I have a nagging suspicion he’s trying to murder the socks off of me.Elijah was the older sibling, and his academic achievements were nothing to scoff at. Even on the New Liberty Front, he was a force to be reckoned with. I also found out about the amount of knowledge I was lacking, and the thought almost sent me into a spiral of depression.The world had become a technocratic society, ruled by the technologically savvy. With the threats of the other worlds and the tear in space, AI became humanity’s biggest weapon to ward off the danger. The platform—that’s what it was ca
“Rebecca, free your brother. And tell me why you don’t want him to talk to me.” I didn’t mince words as I stood from where I was sitting, walking towards her.“Do you hate me now, too? Like everyone else?” She asked, tears forming in her eyes. I hated manipulation, tears or not. And I needed to make it clear to everyone.“Hate you? Why would I? I don’t even know you.” That was a low blow, I agree. But I was burning with rage, and I only knew what I said was terrible when Elijah gasped and Rebecca ran out of the room. I picked up a brush by the bed stand and brushed my hair before a vanity mirror, my eyes of stormy blue reflecting the rage that sat on my chest.“She just wanted a friend. You shouldn’t have done that.” Elijah looked at me like I was a stranger, and then he walked out of the room, probably to look for Rebecca. I wouldn’t know; I didn’t want anybody in my space right then. My anger was a lethal thing—an overdose, a toxin. I always kept it under lock and key, but it shat
For the next two weeks, I did everything with my family. I couldn’t stand to be apart from them even for a short while, and even though it must have been a gross inconvenience, they took it in good fun. Of course, bathing and private time were an exception. But everything else that could be done by a family, we did. We played board games, went to amusement parks, and did things we didn’t usually do. Mother even took a leave from work to take care of me, and Grace was on holiday. So, it was the perfect time. But I couldn’t sit still. Everything spooked me; everything made me worry. I was losing sleep, and I was losing myself too. My paranoia became an all-time high, and if anybody wanted to leave the house, no matter the time, I kept watch like a hawk and didn’t budge. “Okay, this has gone on long enough. Can you tell me what happened? What’s gotten you out of sorts? You’re acting so unlike yourself, and I thought it’d be different after a week, but nothing has changed. You used
“Warner!” I heard my mother scream my name. Wait, what? My mother? “Mum? Is that you?” I jumped from the bed and stared at my room. It was a pretty plain place, with just a mattress thrown on the ground and a study table. But it was mine.“How? How am I back here?” I asked aloud, but no answer came. “If you don’t come down this instant, I’ll make sure you run errands every day for a week!” My mother threatened from downstairs, and I ran down, my heart hammering against my chest. “Mother? You’re here,” I jumped into her arms and began to weep, ugly tears running down my face. I didn’t think of looking cool then; that was the absolute last thing on my mind. “Are you fine, Warner? Did you eat something bad? What’s wrong with you?” My mom looked at me with concern, her warm green eyes more beautiful than any gemstone I’d ever seen. “Nothing is wrong, mom." I love you. I love you a lot. And I’m sorry.” The words came spilling out of me, and I didn’t bother to hold them back. I had a
Rebecca was dead. There was a knife sticking out of her body, and her eyes stared at me, full of unspoken words. Then, her bright eyes went dull, and her body flopped onto the ground.Even while staring at her lifeless body, it didn’t feel real. It couldn’t be. There was no way that the one person who made life even more adventurous for me was dead.“This is a prank, right? Elijah? She’d appear from behind the trees and try to scare me, and we’d all laugh over my reaction. Right?” My fingers were shaking, and my eyes were unfocused. My head was banging, and I wanted to scream out loud.“DO NOT TALK TO HIM, WARNER!” I heard Elijah’s voice and turned to see a badly beaten-up version of Elijah, eyes swollen and lips bleeding. I couldn’t recognize that once handsome face anymore.“Run, Warner! Don’t let him catch you!” Elijah screamed, but I didn’t move. His eyes roved around and latched onto Rebecca’s form on the ground, lifeless.He ran toward her, tears streaming down his face. But I s
“Rebecca, free your brother. And tell me why you don’t want him to talk to me.” I didn’t mince words as I stood from where I was sitting, walking towards her.“Do you hate me now, too? Like everyone else?” She asked, tears forming in her eyes. I hated manipulation, tears or not. And I needed to make it clear to everyone.“Hate you? Why would I? I don’t even know you.” That was a low blow, I agree. But I was burning with rage, and I only knew what I said was terrible when Elijah gasped and Rebecca ran out of the room. I picked up a brush by the bed stand and brushed my hair before a vanity mirror, my eyes of stormy blue reflecting the rage that sat on my chest.“She just wanted a friend. You shouldn’t have done that.” Elijah looked at me like I was a stranger, and then he walked out of the room, probably to look for Rebecca. I wouldn’t know; I didn’t want anybody in my space right then. My anger was a lethal thing—an overdose, a toxin. I always kept it under lock and key, but it shat
Rebecca humored me most of the time, and Saul was almost never around. So, I was stuck with Rebecca and Elijah, who were suddenly becoming my two favorite people in the world (sorry, young Grace).The life they lived was not too different from the life I was used to, except they had a Kaiju or two to think about, and I couldn’t use their appliances without almost hurting myself. Saul calls it healthy training, but I have a nagging suspicion he’s trying to murder the socks off of me.Elijah was the older sibling, and his academic achievements were nothing to scoff at. Even on the New Liberty Front, he was a force to be reckoned with. I also found out about the amount of knowledge I was lacking, and the thought almost sent me into a spiral of depression.The world had become a technocratic society, ruled by the technologically savvy. With the threats of the other worlds and the tear in space, AI became humanity’s biggest weapon to ward off the danger. The platform—that’s what it was ca
“Great uncle Warner, you don’t mind, do you?” Rebecca sent the cutest puppy dog expression I’d ever seen my way, and my heart positively melted. “Well, no, I don’t,” I replied with a bashful expression, unable to look her in the eye. I’ve never been one to act cool in situations such as this one.“Elijah!!! Get your butt down here!” Rebecca screamed out loud, and the very prim and proper Elijah poked his head out from the top of the stairs, his words coming out in grumbles.I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen him that way, which was a big step up from the stoic expression he always wore.“What do you need, Becca? I was reading for my post-graduate research on the phenomenon. The Theory of Evolution and the Powers That Be I don’t have time for your side quests,” Elijah said, and contrary to what I thought, he still made his way towards Rebecca after lots of grumbling.“Yeah, yeah, we know you’re the smart one. But listen, isn’t this a good time for you to put your big brains to work? We have
A few weeks later, Grace came for me. She came with her "grandchildren,” which felt weird because they were all older than I was.“Hi,” I said, wondering if I needed to use honorifics. But I was older than they were, according to the future.“You’re alive!” She was a lady with the quirkiest personality I’d ever seen and one of Grace’s favorites because, apparently, she acted the opposite of me. This was told to me in confidence, of course.“Yes, unfortunately,” I quipped, and she placed a hand over her mouth in horror, as if I said something worth being lynched for. I wouldn’t know because I hadn’t exactly been active for the past 50 years. “Lay off, Rebecca. He’s technically our grand uncle.” A man of maybe 23 years old spoke, his prim and proper manners evident in his words. I wanted to get to know them more and see the people that came from Grace. They probably wouldn’t believe it if I told them about the antics Grace always got up to, so I decided not to. She needed to maintain
“So, Mother died,” I said factually, still unable to wrap my head around it. First, my sister was way older than I could ever imagine, and I was 17. If she’d told me that I retained my youthful appearance, that wouldn’t be a problem for me.But less than 24 hours before, I was a vegetable of an old man, and waking up and still feeling slight pains didn’t add up. Aside from the fact that I wasn’t meant to be able to walk ever again, I was meant to be half-dead from the intensity of the crash. It was a monster truck going at breakneck speed.“Yes, she did. And she wanted to apologize.” Grace fidgeted, but I didn’t know why; I didn’t want to hear it. It was probably something sad or something that did not correlate with the current situation.“Don’t worry about it; I never held a grudge. Now, can I tell you my side of the story?” I asked, waiting for my time to speak. I started to mentally file the issues I was experiencing, and one thing stood out: I had no recollection of 50 years.Tha
What the hell?Some people came to stare at me like I was some spectacle they’d never seen before. “Are you really okay?” A doctor with the kindest eyes I’d ever seen asked, her face filled with worry. I couldn’t understand why, though.“Never better,” I replied. They were overreacting to something as small as an accident, and I didn’t feel as much pain, which was curious.“How are you even—how’s this possible?” She seemed stumped for words, but I just shrugged. “The impact was bad, wasn’t it? Well, I’m fine now.” I smiled, all teeth. She looked at me, fixing the glasses at the bridge of her nose.“I don’t know how to say this, but... I wasn’t there.” She replied hesitantly, and I didn’t know why she bothered mincing words with me; she was a doctor and I was a patient. There was nothing else that held us together. “Of course, that’s to be expected. Where is my family? I want to tell them I’m awake.” I was happier than I’d been in a while, and nothing could dampen it, not even the c