I’ve officially gone mad. Today

Scarlett dropped the quill. They slid a hand onto their forehead. Was this it? They closed their eyes and took a deep breath. Eleanore had been right all this time about getting a nap.

“Hey.”

Scarlett jerked upright. Eleanore pushed the door together behind her. “I’ve brought over a couple of guests.” She said casually. “They’re good friends of mine. I hope they don’t get in your way, darling.”

“No, no, no, it is perfectly fine, I assure you.” Scarlett swiftly dismissed. “I am just a bit busy at the moment, sweetheart.”

Eleanore sunk a little bit. “Well.. if it isn’t too much..” She began, her tone taking a rather tense turn. “They’d like to put in a word with you.”

“What is the time?”

“It’s nine thirty at night.”

“Well, never mind that. You must tell them to return tomorrow if they wish to speak with me.”

“I-I see..”

Scarlett slid off the chair and pushed it in. “I am sorry, dear.”

“No problem.” She sighed, looking at the floor. “I’ll tell them to wait for you.”

“I would appreciate it.”

“Where are you going, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“You need not worry.”

Scarlett walked over to Eleanore. She looked up at them. Her eyes glimmered. Scarlett cupped her face. “I will be okay.” They reassured with a little smile. Eleanore took Scarlett’s hand and nodded. “I love you.”

“You too.” She whispered.

Later.

Scarlett swung up a hand. The driver nodded. The carriage sped off. The horse’s gallops thundered over the silence. They turned back to the small, white house in front of them. They started forward. Their shoe clicking on the stone path echoed around the surrounding wall of trees.

Even at this distance, it seemed as if they could see their reflection through those perfectly shone windows. They swept their questions under the rug. They swore they’d never seen this place before. Their hand once again melted into a thousand pound weight. They stopped in front of the door. Somehow, the stench of dust got stronger the closer they came even if a cool breeze threatened it.

“I knew you’d make it.”

Scarlett snapped backward. Nanè wore a grin that was more friendly than anything else. “I’m glad I could count on you.”

“I do not understand any of this..” Scarlett said, staring down in thought. “How?”

“I’ll explain. Take a seat.”

Three wooden chairs sat on the porch. The shadows sucked away their color. Scarlett pulled one up and sat down. Nanè sat on the railing. She was nothing but a silhouette. Only her edges were touched by the moonlight. Scarlett took a long and deep breath. Their tense shoulders dropped.

“I must say, you and Jack were incredibly close.” Nanè said casually, leaning back. “Your dedication is admirable.”

“I do appreciate it.” Scarlett said, their gaze retreating to the floor. “But-”

“-That’s good.” Nanè shrugged. “Tell me what you’ve put together-”

“You said-”

“No, no, no. I want to know what you think.”

Scarlett took a deep breath. A slight frown landed right on their face. Inside a wildfire raged. “Alright, Nanè.” They said sharply. “You are just a normal woman who, in my sleepless state, interprets as some villainous time traveler.” Nanè burst into laughter. She brushed her hair back. Scarlett’s eyes turned into slits.

“So you’re implying that this isn’t happening?”

“If I am correct, I should be sleeping at my desk.”

“Ah, I see.” She nodded. “Well then. You’re.. just about as wrong as you could possibly be. I like your skepticism though.”

“So that means?”

“I know you wouldn’t possibly believe me, Hughes, but I am a time traveler.”

“A crumpled up piece of paper won’t prove anything.” Scarlett’s every word was laced by poison. “You must give me a better reason to believe you.”

“Then why don’t I just show you first hand?”

Scarlett jumped up right as Nanè slid off the railing. “I already gave you the location, so shouldn’t that be enough? You’ve never been here, anyway.” Her voice was as cool as the night. Scarlett stepped back. Their eyes shot wide. “You want to find Jack, don’t you?”

Nanè opened her arms as if she were going to hug them. “He did so much more than you’ll ever know.. if you don’t take this opportunity, that is.” A million thoughts raced again. Her silhouette grew larger. Scarlett clenched their nose bridge.

“What do you mean..?” They muttered.

“I may have never met Emilian, but I know exactly who he was.” Nanè placed her hands on their shoulders. “I watched him name his first imaginary friend. I watched him disappear.”

“Holy..-”

“The future is ever changing, Scarlett. If you’re in, we can find him.”

Scarlett sunk. They glared at the floor. Their mind pulled a blank. Nanè towered over them.

If this was all some sort of phony prank? At least Scarlett would’ve given it a chance. At least they tried. The house. The location. The paper. Who was Nanè? Could Jack also be one of these time travelers? Was this all even real?

But at least they would’ve tried.

“I’m in.”

Nanè nodded. “Give me your hand then, Scarlett.”

Scarlett held out their hand. Nanè took it.