GLIMPSE OF HER FUTURE

The playful sound of children's laughter filled the air as he approached the park. Lagging in pace, he stopped on the sidewalk and scanned the dozens of families enjoying their day in the autumn sun. Burying his hands inside the pouch of the black sweater, he recoiled against the swift breeze which suddenly cut through the energetic park. Silhouette trees swirled. Withered leaves rushed on by his feet. His heart aching terribly until his eyes found the reason for the furtive visit.

There they were, bobbing along without notice of the stranger eagerly gazing at them from a distance. He felt a sense of relief and overwhelming delight at the picture of pure bliss. It was everything he'd hoped for. Longed for. Fought for. A reward in itself and still it pained him to know what future awaited. And yet still, it gave him strength and courage to do what he always did. Fight and to keep on fighting until everything they'd lost was redeemed. Restored back to its original state where the ones who endangered their peace were no longer a threat.

He breathed in deep, then exhaled the intake slowly. The wind returned, moved by him, and expanded as it journeyed over the blissful families engrossed in their picnics. It grabbed her laughter – a sound and scene he rarely witnessed, but now it would remain forever imprinted in his memory.

The girls joined her in laughing as they watched a shaggy dog play-fight for an orange frisbee. He couldn't help but enjoy the precious moment with them, even if it was from a remote location. And as if she knew someone was watching, her gaze snapped up from the commotion and she froze. He allowed her the moment of a stolen glance before he turned his back on them and walked away.

It was all he could do to keep her safe from an unnecessary glimmer of hope. Frankly, it was to keep himself sane and focused on the objective ahead.

He had glimpsed the future, gathered the encouragement needed to fulfil the mission planned by the team back in 2018. And now it was time to make sure this future took place. That she got everything worthy of having – happiness, peace and a family. Without heartache, pain and suffering, but a future filled with precious memories that would reach beyond her lifetime.

He weaved through the cars, heading for the nearest alleyway to slip from view in a moment, when he felt the tug at the hem of his sweater. This time he froze and swallowed against the strong emotion pooling in his chest. He had waited too long, this he knew from the fingers hesitantly curling around his wrist. He wasn't elusive enough, far enough in the shadows for her not to have noticed a man out of time.

"You're here?"

He took a deep breath and faced her. She had aged, and if it were possible, in beauty as well. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

She stepped into his arms, held him tight as he enjoyed the uncalled for embrace.

"You look good." She whispered.

It sparked a joy threatening to boil over. He smiled. "Same can be said of you. I miss our late night chats."

Easing up on her hold, she leaned back and looked up, noting the warmth in his green eyes. "We all miss you."

"I can imagine." He joked, keeping his composure. He couldn't afford these stolen minutes. It merely cracked his fortitude bit by bit.

Tears sparkled in her brown eyes, prompting a sadness to form in his. Instinctively, he pulled her closer to his chest and listened to her tender sobs.

"You're happy?"

"I am, yes."

"I'm glad, Lucy. It's what I want."

"You lost so much."

"And you gained a life you rightfully pursued."

"At what cost?"

"Don't, please." He stepped from her arms. "You know why. You have the journal."

Lucy wiped at her tears and placed a stray strand of brunette hair behind her ear. She nodded forlornly. "Keep history intact to preserve the future as it's meant to be."

"A historian knows best."

A sign of humour crinkled around his eyes. She snorted.

"And I'll always be the terrorist whom you chased through time."

"Redemption, Flynn. It's a road few travel by."

He shrugged and dug his hands into his jean's pockets. "Yeah, speaking of which."

"You should go."

"Time's of the essence. And whatever goes good with the saying."

A warm smile curled her lips as she stepped forward and tapped his chest. "There's still good inside you, Flynn. It's for you to find it."

"Oh, I know all too well, Lucy." His hand encircled hers where it rested upon his heart. "I'm sorry. You shouldn't have seen me. Are you okay?"

"I'm good. All of us are good."

"Yes, you are."

He backed away, smiling gently at her.

She sneered, shoving him towards the depths of the alley. "Go get 'em cowboy."

Flynn flicked a hand in the air as he walked away. "Don't mind if I do, Ma'am."

"And stop teasing Rufus." She called out after him.

"Sorry no can do."

"And my husband."

"Heck no. He desperately needs a stern talking to."