The Watch – Part 85:

‘So we have the where, but we don’t have the when,’ Amy said, ‘or how, but you said that we might be able to find out those answers when we get to the station.’

I nodded, ‘but there’s always a possibility that you’ll find nothing there, but somewhere different instead, that will lead to the station.’

‘So, what you’re saying is, we are no closer to figuring out this mystery than when we started,’ Amy said.

‘I’m not saying that at all. No, I’m saying that we can have a look at the station to see if we can find any clues, but if there aren’t any, then we have to look at this at a different angle, that’s all.’

‘So when do you think we should take a trip down there? As soon as possible or wait until later?’

I breathed in deeply as I thought about the question. ‘You’re not going to like my answer,’ I said. ‘Probably,’ I added quickly afterwards.

‘Let’s hear it anyway,’ Amy said, ‘it might give me something to go on with.’

‘Ok,’ I said shifting my body around so that I’m facing directly in front of her. ‘The thing is with time travel, is it is incredible unpredictable, but you already know that from what you said in your speech back at school,’ I said as Amy nodded, letting me continue, ‘but the unpredictability of it all sums up what time travel is with all the paradoxes and all that jazz, seeing your future-self before you go back in time to meet your past-self, you know the drill.’ Amy was beginning to get a little impatient as I was only explaining what she already knows and nodded with an agitated expression as if to say ‘get to the point,’ but in truth, I had to explain all this to make my point have meaning. ‘Anyway, when we get to the station, there might not be anything there, but will be soon. The paradox may start with us seeing the footage of you at the station, but from then on, time is in charge and will only give us the necessary clues to propel us forward when it is ready, not when we are.’

‘So, if we find nothing, we may have to wait it out for something to show, but nothing could show at all, causing us to waste our time for the necessary clue that we need is right here, or somewhere else entirely, which could be on the other side of the country, if not further,’ Amy said in an unenthusiastic way.

‘But like I said, if we do find nothing, we can look at this at another angle. Something somewhere, somehow has to pop up if time wants us to go back in time. The Universe doesn’t want us to ruin the flow of time, so it’ll help us if we’re going in the wrong direction.’

‘You speak as if you have experience of the matter,’ Amy said curiously.’

‘I’m just well-read on the subject,’ I said with my heart beating.

‘Fair enough,’ Amy said without a second thought. I sighed with relief inside. That was a close one. Most of what I am saying is from what I have taught myself, but it isn’t surprising that a small part of my words is soaked in experience. I have travelled in time before, as well as to other Universes, and travelled in time there as well, so that’s something I have to keep an eye of from now on. This is harder than I thought. Have I already said that before? I probably have…

‘How about,’ Amy said snapping me out of my train of thought, ‘we head up there as soon as we’re ready and see what we can find. We can head up there once a week if necessary. We have to do something instead of waiting and twiddling our thumbs. However, like you said, we might as well as the Universe isn’t going to let us.

‘I said it’ll help us if we’re going in the wrong direction. We have to get up and do something so it can help us so. The Universe is powerful, but it isn’t that powerful.’ Where did that last part come from? I never thought of the Universe being a being with power before. I guess I got caught up in the moment, but hey, if it helps both of us understand the situation, then there’s nothing to question.

‘I still think we should go to the station as soon as possible. If time really is being unpredictable, then you never know what’s there.’

‘I agree,’ I said simply.

‘Then what are we doing just sitting here, then,’ Amy said standing up with all of her enthusiasm back.

‘Are you sure you want to go now?’ I asked.

‘When’s better. Now is as soon as possible, isn’t it,’ Amy said jumping up and down on the spot.

‘I’ve never seen you so enthusiastic before,’ I said putting the laptop down to one side and standing up.’

‘That’s because I’ve never travelled in time before,’ Amy said.

‘Which is still something we have to figure out,’ I said.

‘You’re no fun,’ she said.

‘Well, I suppose it would get me out of the house for a bit,’ I said. ‘But, isn’t it a bit late to go now, actually,’ looking at the time: It was 9:30PM, ‘I mean, we might be able to get there, but I doubt we’re be able to get back before the last train departs.’

‘Wow, has time really gone that quickly,’ Amy said, her shoulders slumping downwards as all their energy evaporates away.

‘But that doesn’t stop us going first thing tomorrow morning,’ I said.

‘The very first thing in the morning,’ Amy said regaining her bounce.

‘Really, though,’ I said smiling, ‘are you alright?’

‘How would you react if you knew there was a small possibility of you travelling through time?’ Amy asked. You know the answer to that question.

‘Good point,’ I said smiling more broadly than before, partly due to seeing Amy so happy, and partly due to actually knowing the answer to that question…

TO BE CONTINUED…

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)