by Kathy Goddard writer

Likes: 5
Words: 100

On every anniversary, Emily and her brother, Derek, surveyed the empty space where the house once stood. The elegant arches through which she and her siblings ran as children had been demolished after the tragedy, the stones used to mend the walls that sprawled over fields like a drystone spiderweb.

On quiet days, she could see ghostly outline of the building, hearing the echoes of Max’s laughter as he chased after them. She frowned when she remembered the car. If Max had listened and not climbed into it with a stranger, they might still be laughing together beneath the arches.

by Jesse R Traynham - Author

Likes: 5
Words: 100

Temporal agents Tina and Charlie Donald had spent weeks in 1935 chasing a temporal disturbance in the South. The case was closed. It was time to go home.

They stood expectantly at the edge of their property, rolling forward through time. Slowly, their house and car came into view. The kids played beneath the arches, unaware that anything had changed. To them, their parents had only been gone seconds.

"I'll grab the twins and play catch."

"Okay. Lucy and I will start supper."

"Want me to fire up the grill?"

"When it's time."

They were home. Quiet. Boring. Mundane. Perfect.

by Mary Zuelke Author

Likes: 5
Words: 100

Sara and Lon look down from heaven at the empty lot where their home once stood.

"Little Jack's all grown up now, with a family of his own."

"Melanie's husband, Fred, died last year."

"Yes." Lon turned his gaze away. "Fred's still processing the change."

"Sam's youngest…" Sara leaned into her husband.

"Don't worry, Jonny will find us, they always do." Lon squeezed her hand.

"But Sam's so sad."

"Take my hand." Lon said gently. "Close your eyes and picture him."

"But it hurts."

"He needs a little something to make it through."

"Sammy, It's us... Jonny will be okay."

by John Cox

Likes: 4
Words: 106

[Ultimatum Inc] (internal use only)

They could start anywhere, anytime, any place. James and April had made good during the last war. Enough wealth to design their Afterlife.

[Afterlife, trade mark, used by permission of Ultimatum Inc]

April was named after her great great great, grandmother. She had always been fascinated with that time. James also felt a kinship with that 1960's age and his namesake was also of this era.

They played the Favor Forward holoimage back and forth for hours choosing just the right life. The right amount of children, the right house, the right transportation. It was perfect. [Advertisement approved, publish it]

by Neviena Dēls

Likes: 4
Words: 101

At sunset, they parked where the old house used to stand. Pine needles softened their steps, and memory sharpened everything else. He squeezed her hand, pointing to nothing, to everything. The kitchen window, the porch swing, the hallway where laughter had once ricocheted. She smiled, then frowned, seeing children dart through empty arches that weren't there. Wind moved like a breath through ghosts of beams. They argued quietly about staying, about building, about leaving. Night gathered. The shapes faded. He turned the key. She watched the absence settle, and finally said yes. A car idled nearby, carrying a future they feared.

by Dan J Roberts - Author

Likes:
Words: 100

High school sweethearts.

They had it all planned out.

After college and after the war, they’d found this place just outside of town.

Engaged to be married in the spring. Their whole life ahead of them.

This was the perfect spot to start a family. They could already see the house, with the kids playing on the porch. New car in the driveway.

“This place is like a dream…” she said as they stood there, imagining the perfect life.

The American Dream.

They saw all of that, but they never saw the train until it was too late.

The End.