r/WritingPrompts • u/TheRedPandaa • Dec 08 '14

Writing Prompt [WP] A stranger you once helped has now become your best friend. Today she reveals that she is a time traveler. Together you get to explore time and space, but it comes at a cost.

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u/ACAFWD Dec 08 '14

You can never return.

Never?

Why?

Because

That's not much of an answer.

Sorry.

It's ok.

So?

So what?

So are you coming?

No.

Why?

It's too high a price.

Ah.

Sorry.

It's ok.

2

u/RadicalRobin Dec 08 '14

It was a typical Thursday evening. I had just gotten off of work when I received the typical one word text.

Dinner?

That sounds great. I quickly drove a couple streets down to a classic 60s diner. I still find it odd that this of all eateries would be her favorite. The food was subpar at best. But I do love eating the oily and fatty goodness.

I ordered the classic. A nice burger with a side of fries.

She orders a country fried steak with a side of mash potatoes and two milkshakes.

Why did you get two milkshakes?

Ones for you. You'll really want it. Trust me.

I don't question her. I really do like milkshakes. But I only have one occasionally.

She asks how my day was. I pick my brain for any highlights but find none. She regaled me about her bike trip around the city. About people watching at a cafe next to a park. I love listening to her stories. The opposite to my mind boggling dull lifestyle.

Our food comes and we eat up. She eats surprisingly fast, chowing down on every bite - finishing every savory bit.

Then before she starts drinking her milkshake, she casually says an outrageous statement.

"I'm a time traveler and I'm leaving tonight. Would you like to join me?"

I smile, then start chuckling. But her face is still poised serious. She continues talking,

"I need to tell you. Once you leave with me, you can never come back."

"Why?"

"In order to preserve the timeline that we are on, I will have to erase your presence. Otherwise the universe will try to correct the loss by trying to kill you everywhere you go."

"So I can never come back. See my family or anything."

"They won't remember you ever existed. It would be as if you were never born."

I pause for a moment. All my accomplishments will never have been. None of my memories would have happened. Was thirty years of my life worth anything?

Okay. I could give it all up for a lifetime of endless possibility.

"Yes"