56

BRIDGER

JULY 4, 2013

H e’s dead. He’s dead. He’s dead.

Those words echo in my mind as I study Dad’s still form. I can’t believe I did nothing to stop this. I’m a furing idiot.

It feels like everything is moving in slow motion as I walk over to him. It’s like I’m here and not here. I’m numb. I might as well be a Null.

Before I can reach his body, a shimmer appears next to him. My comm-set searches through different cloaking frequencies. This one doesn’t register.

It has to be a Time Bender from my future. The ones we’re supposed to stay away from.

The shimmer hovers around Dad.

“What’s wrong?” Alora asks. She’s still sitting where she fought with Vika, as if she can’t move.

“Someone’s here with us,” I say, keeping my eyes on Dad’s body. I want to move closer, but something tells me stay put.

Alora jumps up and backs away. “What do they want?”

“I don’t know.”

All I know is that I let my father die. I could shift back and try to save him again, but I don’t. That could create a paradox. I can’t change what’s part of my history. By all rights, Alora should be dead too. But Dad wanted to save her. She needs to return to her own time. I have to honor that even though I’m dying inside.

The shimmer moves to Vika’s body and stays for a little while before vanishing.

“Whoever it is just left,” I say.

Alora rushes over to Grace and checks on her.

“How is she?”

“She’s alive, but she’s unconscious. We need to get her to the doctor.”

Alora stands, hugging her arms tight around her torso. “Why did this happen, Bridger? Why did that girl keep saying I was supposed to die?”

I don’t want to tell her, but I’m done lying. It’s caused too much pain. “Because you are supposed to die today. That’s why I shifted back here in the first place. Your mom found your obituary and sent my dad back to save you.” I stop, feeling a lump in my throat. “But he appeared to me on one of my time trips and told me to save you instead. So here I am.”

“Oh no, Bridger, I’m so sorry. It’s my fault.” Her face crumples.

I feel like a jerk. I cross the distance and pull her against me. I know how she feels. It seems like everything is my fault. I hold her tight like she’s the only thing keeping me anchored to the here and now.

“Well, isn’t that sweet.”

We jump apart. I spin around, more shocked than I ever thought I could be.

It’s my dad. Alive.