ψ attractor, year 2010.

As Makise Shouichi stepped outside the UN General Assembly building, he was immediately surrounded by a crowd of reporters. He raised a hand to shield his eyes from the flashing cameras.

"Dr. Makise, can you comment on the TACT negotiations today?"

"Dr. Makise, is it really possible to protect this world line from incursions?"

"Dr. Makise, does this mean the end of time travel research?"

Lowering his hand, Shouichi put on his best smile for the press. "This is a historic day for all of humanity. With the addition of signatures from France and China, the Temporal Arms Control Treaty now enters into force. Over the past five years, the world has teetered on the brink of nuclear war, but now we look forward to a bright and peaceful future. Of course, as the inventor of the time machine, my leadership was instrumental in making this possible. Despite numerous threats, I've always put humanity's needs before my own safety…"

Just then, a loud siren sounded as a patrol car took off nearby. Shouichi made a gasping sound and spun away from the noise. As he turned, he lost his balance and knocked over a cameraman next to him.

As people helped them up, there was scattered laughter. Someone called out a question, "Is it true that you've been hiding in a cellar for the past five years, even after details of your research became public knowledge?"

Another joined in, "Did you really bring all your own food and water on this trip for fear of poison?"

Still trying to dust off his clothes, Shouichi reddened. He responded loudly, "What kind of question is that? Is this how you treat the inventor of the time machine? I will have no more of this!" Grimacing, he shouldered through the reporters and scrambled down the long ramp to UN Plaza.

At the bottom of the ramp, he paused for breath. It was late afternoon, and the city lights were beginning to turn on. Then something caught his eye. Among the bulky news service vans, there was the striking outline of a 1959 Cadillac de Ville. Standing next to the car was a girl with long auburn hair. The girl waved to him.

Shouichi froze. All at once, a wave of emotions washed over him—joy, longing, guilt. Slowly, he walked towards the daughter he hasn't seen for seven years. He opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't find his voice.

"Papa!" Kurisu cried. She started to move forward, but hesitated when she saw her father turn his face away. "I… I thought you might want a ride."

Collecting himself, Shouichi spoke as evenly as he could, "You didn't need to come all this way. I can walk to the hotel just fine."

"Oh, um, I was in the area so, in that case, maybe we can go somewhere to eat? I wanted a chance to talk to you."

Shouichi glanced at the reporters a little distance away. A few were looking in his direction. "Fine. Let's go."

After they got in the car, Kurisu shifted into gear and pulled out of UN Plaza. As the big car glided down First Avenue, no one spoke inside. Shouichi put a hand on the dashboard and began tapping an unsteady rhythm.

Eventually Kurisu began, "Papa, I thought, that is, I wanted to say…" Her voice trailed off.

Shouichi took a deep breath. Then, without looking at his daughter, he said, "I read your neuroscience paper. It's very good."

Kurisu flushed. "Really? Do you think so? Oh Papa, I've missed you so much."

Shouichi sensed a blur in his vision. When he spoke again, the voice didn't sound like his own. "Kurisu… I've missed you too."