R e t r o s p e c t • PSYPHY

Chapter 7: E p o c h

"We may be alone in the universe, but at least we're alone together."

"Misery does love company, after all," she replied.

I sat down at a nearby bus stop. I was waiting for my ride, not the bus, but figured it was appropriate.

"It's still really weird that they couldn't figure out how all those planes malfunctioned... one right after the other."

"Dude, after what we went through, nothing surprises me anymore. I don't even try to rationalize it. What's strange to me is that you haven't used that watch of yours for almost six months. Especially given all the shit you've been through."

I pause for a sec. "Can I tell you something?" I ask.

"Shoot,"

"I thought about trying to figure it out. Like, if I could go back and stop Gabbi from getting hit. But..."

"But what?"

"I'm scared. Truth is, I'm scared to mess with the watch again," I whisper. "Let's be honest, I don't have a damn clue what I'm doing in life, let alone with something like that. All the stuff I've ever watched or read concerning time travel, always ends in even worse shit happening when people take those chances." I glance around, making sure no one is listening.

"You've got a point, and really, I don't blame you. It's way, and I mean, way, beyond your pay grade."

"Exactly so,"

"So, the fact that your dad gave it to you has gotta mean something. There's so much you don't know sure, but here's something you do know: You're the only one who can use it. Disaster is gonna happen whether you do or don't, so why not play the hand your dealt." Titilayo said.

My lyft driver then pulls up to the sidewalk.

"Yeah, thanks. I'll keep you posted," I hang up.

It's rare that I stay on the phone while in a car. This wasn't one of those conversations that I felt like could safely be eavesdropped on. I got in the lyft, made small talk with the driver as they took me to my next stop. I was supposed to go home after the therapy session. But over the course of these past months, I developed a habit of getting a coffee shortly after noon.

Today I figured I'd surprise my mom with one. That'd be nice, maybe a cookie or something too. She could really use the pick up. It hasn't been easy for her at all lately. Before all the calamity, she expressed wanted me to start college. I wasn't ready, whatsoever. She hasn't mentioned it since my dad's funeral. So I think some part of her isn't ready for me to go either. Jared visits, but now I'm the only one at home with her most of the time. I think she appreciates having that for as long as she can. And maybe, maybe I do too.

"Here's fine," I say.

He pulls up to the curbside of a Starbucks. I step out of the vehicle.

"Don't forget to gimme five stars!" He yells as he speeds off.

Yeah, you're lucky to get three and half after that.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes and walk into the coffee shop. When I opened the door a burst of sensations hit me. There was the subtle scent of coffee brewing for one. The consistent but fairly random movement of so many people within this confined space, was noticeable too. The noise, baristas working, several idle conversations, machines and whatnot; felt chaotic at first glance. I'm not particularly sure why.

Maybe it's the meds.

The world hadn't changed because of them, but it was slightly, different. I noticed everything although now, I wasn't hyper aware of it all. It was like the world was turning, and I knew it was, but I didn't try to stop it. I didn't care to. I felt like now, I was just turning with it.