Zebra was coming to the end of Julius's life story.

-April 16, 1980-

'My darling Ada was given to another man this day, the event of her wedding. Written words cannot begin to tell how stunningly beautiful she looked in her flawless, white gown. I can see so much of her mother, reflecting back through her soft, brown eyes. Sadly, I wasn't invited to participate in the joyous festivities. Ada still hasn't forgiven me for the choice in which I live my life. As I beheld my only daughter, hidden within the crowd, I am reminded how 'unlike' her mother she is. I'm not proud of it, but I'm afraid she may have inherited some unfortunate traits from myself. Her bullheadedness, for one, could only have come from my genes; Never standing down from her convictions. Though this common factor between us shows that she is my daughter, it still causes me to weep. I weep bitter tears for the broken bond my family has suffered. Ada may never except as her father again. Never-the-less, I wish her all the blessings a parent can give their child. As for myself, I shall continue my work, to return to the past, to retrieve my beloved back from that which stole her from me. Perhaps then, we can, once again, be a family.-

Just then, Meg returned home from the errands Zebra had requested. She heaved her load through the door with some difficulty. Zebra put a pause to her reading and went to greet Meg.

"Did you get everything."

"Yes", said Meg tiredly. "Do you even know how to use a blow-torch?"

Zebra shrugged. "How hard can it be? I just need it to weld the broken metal pieces together. Besides, didn't you say you've had experience with such things?"

Meg frowned. She tried not to sound annoyed by this whole charade, but it might have come out that way all the same To tell the truth, she thought this whole idea was insane. "Remember Zebra; I said I would 'help' you, I didn't say I would do it all while you read that stupid journal. You can't expect me to see the logic in this overnight."

Though it hurt to hear Meg's skepticism, she accepted and understood her obvious doubts and confusion. Sometimes, she, herself took a step back and wondered if she truly believed her grandfather's words. Was it all worth it? Was she doing it all this to solve the mysterious disappearance of Julius Sanders? Or, was it that she was seeking herself, to find purpose in her own life? Also, would Meg abandon her as did her mother to her grandfather? No, she couldn't believe that. They'd been through too much together. Besides, what would she do without her? Meg was all Zebra had to a family.

"Yes, I remember. Thank-you Meg." Zebra returned to her room, leaving Meg in a cloud of guilt.

Ahhh! Meg hated it when she did that. All that Zebra seemed concerned about anymore was the past. Hadn't she ever heard of the present or perhaps, the future? Meg thought her friend could have used a lethal dose of reality, injected several times daily. That little book was tainting her brain. She was growing rather tired of this game. But, for Zebra's sake, she'd play along for a bit longer. After all that had happened, she couldn't take all the blame.

-October 15, 1982-

I just received word that I have just become a grandfather! I received the phone call this morning from my son-in-law. He was gracious enough to relay the joyous news to me. I can't tell you of the joy that encompasses my heart at this glorious occasion. A precious 7lb 3oz baby girl has entered mortality. Zebra, is what they decided to call her. How I long to behold this child, that is my granddaughter, with my very own eyes. But I know my daughter would never allow it. I pray that Ada's heart might soon soften enough to permit me to have a part in her life, because she is still very much a part of mine.

-December 2, 1983-

Today, Ada surprised me with a visit. It was so good to see her face. And to think that she saught me out was almost like a dream come true. I wish I could say that we had a pleasant chat, but that, unfortunately, was not the case. You see, she caught me at my work and wasted no time in telling me, in many ugly words, her lifelong feelings to such. Not long after, she left me once again, leaving a flood of tears in her wake. I also took part in those tears. I have truly lost everything I hold dear. Perhaps I am loosing my mind.-

Taking the bus, Zebra made frequent visits to Homer City. She began her work repairing her grandfather's masterpiece. The last entries in the journal were formulas, charts, and massive guesses. But all useful.

'I've done it!' He had written. 'I have built a machine I believe is capable of harnessing the energy needed to enter the time stream. I have scavenged for different materials at near-by dump sights. Unpleasant, to say the least, but necessary for the assembly of my masterpiece. And at least the price is right. All preparations are complete, I just need to wait for the right kind of weather. A massive thunderclap is required to generate the electrical spires. I have watched the weather station earnestly in hopes of an upcoming storm. To my good fortune, one will be underway within the week. For the time being, I must simply wait and be patient. Soon, I shall be with my beloved. I can almost feel her presence now. I will be able to forewarn Layla of her sickness and ultimately save her from death. Then, I will regain those who were taken from me. I must confess, it will also be a pleasure to show those who doubted my efforts. No longer will I be ridiculed for my ideas and beliefs.'

The journal ended like that. 'This makes no sense', Zebra pondered to herself, re-reading that same passage for the second time. 'If his goal were to save my grandmother......shouldn't they exist now? Something must have gone wrong, something....' She followed all instructions, re-attaching this, tightening that, everything indicated in the layout. All that she needed now, was electricity, not just for the lightening rod she'd hoisted on the roof outside, but power to fuel the computer monitor. The light coming in through the small basement window was fading fast. With no power in the house, Zebra produced a battery powered lantern. Though it was no comparison to to a good old 60watt bulb, it would have to do....for now.

Meg hadn't much time to keep track of Zebra's whereabouts. She had a major final coming up in her computer technologies class. She needed all her concentration focused on her studies. She would not neglect her grades over some silly obssesion.

About 2 a.m. Zebra wiped the grease her brow, hitting a dead end. She simply didn't have the energy needed to power that blasted machine, and a big storm was brewing in the evening breeze. What now?

A faint glow, illuminated from the computer screen, reflected off Meg's pale skin. Her frozen project was held suspended before her. Her nimble fingers no longer danced across the keys. Her breathing came in slow, even breaths. Her head rested atop her folded arms on the desk. Meg had once again given in to her fault; she had succumbed to sleep before her computer. Another late night.

Cautiously, Zebra made her way to a pay phone, located at the end of the block. Is was a bit unerving wandering around the unfamilular neighborhood in the middle of the night. Who knew what kind of wackos patroled the streets in search of an unsuspecting victim. But she couldn't think about that now. Her determination was burning beyond rationality. She needed help. She closed the privacy door of the grafitii covered telephone booth behind her, inserted the correct amount of change into the slot and gave the operator directions for her call. "C'mon Meg, pick-up. I know you're there", Zebra grumbled impatiently to herself.