Altering The Past
Without thinking through the consequences
“It’s finally ready,” Professor Zimmer said, a proud grin spreading across his face as he unveiled a sleek metal capsule. “The world’s first functional time machine.”
Derek’s eyes widened. He’d been skeptical until this moment, but not anymore. “Can I try it out, professor?”
The professor nodded. “Remember, you can go back to any time in the past, but you can only spend five minutes there. The machine will automatically bring you back after that.”
Derek pondered this limitation. Five minutes wasn’t much, but a few well-chosen words from his younger self could alter the entire trajectory of his life.
“I want to go back to 1995. There’s something I need to change…”
The professor’s brow furrowed. “You know the risks of altering the past, even slightly. It could have catastrophic repercussions on the present. Are you sure?”
“Absolutely,” Derek said. “Take me to May 12th, 1995.”
He remembered that spring day like it was yesterday. His present wife Hannah, his girlfriend at the time, had excitedly told him about a $5,000 inheritance. She wanted to invest in the stock market and had asked for his advice.
“Go with Kodak stock,” he’d told her. “They’re the big player in cameras and photography supplies. Can’t miss.”
Hannah had taken his suggestion, but it proved to be one of the worst investments. What if he could redo that pivotal moment?
“I’m ready,” Derek stated, resolve burning in his eyes as he climbed into the time capsule. “Initiate the sequence.”
There was a blinding flare of energy, and suddenly Derek rematerialized in the corner cafe, having coffee with young Hannah.
“…so what do you think?” Hannah asked with an innocent smile. “Where should I put this five grand?”
“Buy Apple Computers shares. You’d do very well,” replied Derek.
“Are you sure? It’s trading at 30 cents! No one is touching it!”
“I am positive. That company is going to change the world.”
The cafe began dissolving at the five-minute mark as he felt the tugging forces of the time vortex. Derek rematerialized in the professor’s lab, the time machine’s lights blinking furiously.
“Well?” the professor asked, eyes alight with curiosity. “Did you alter the past as you intended?”
“I…I think so,” Derek stammered, still reeling from the time jump.
He staggered to the door, yearning to see how his actions had reshaped his reality. He rushed home, hoping to find Hannah there.
Clusters of leafy cabbage plants now blanketed the earth where his modest house once stood. Puzzled, he reached out to Hannah’s best friend to find out Hannah’s whereabouts. Following the address provided, Derek found himself on the immaculate grounds of a sprawling estate, replete with palisades and perfectly manicured gardens. His heart stopped as a sleek crimson Porche pulled into the driveway.
The driver’s side door opened, and an impeccably dressed older woman stepped out, diamonds glittering at her wrists and neck.
It was Hannah — but not the sweet, unassuming girl he had known and loved. This woman moved with a regal confidence, seemingly born of incredible wealth and privilege.
And then the passenger door opened, and a tall, older man in a crisp blue suit and a Rolex around his wrist stepped out. He walked briskly and crossed his hand with Hannah’s. He whispered something, and she laughed.
The echoes of Hannah’s laughter lingered hauntingly even after the two had retreated into their opulent mansion.
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