Scarlett’s heart thudded at their ribs. Their head spun like a whirlpool. Their knees threatened to buckle under them. “Hey, it’s alright.” Nanè said warmly. She had been smeared like paint. “You’re taking it far better than I did.” She smiled slightly and pulled them up by the wrist.

“Wh-what's going on..?” Scarlett mumbled, clutching themself with trembling hands.

“It’s a side effect. You’ll feel confused for a bit.” She reassured. “Trust me, just breath and you’ll be fine.”

Scarlett stood up straight and took a long, deep breath. They closed their eyes. Their legs wobbled a little less. “See, there we go.” Nanè replied lightheartedly.

“Where exactly are we..?”

“No, when are we.” Nanè playfully corrected them. “Now come on, we don’t have a lot of time.”

Scarlett rubbed their eyes. Nanè let go of their hand. “Open your eyes.” She said softly. Scarlett did as instructed. A million windows shone like stars from a wall of concrete giants. They were held back, caged only by a fence of trees rowed around the parking lot. Still machines glistened loudly under the scorching sun. At least the blur in their vision was gone.

“Come on.” Nanè encouraged, speaking over a bustling crowd.

Scarlett turned back to face her. She wore a delighted grin and opened her arms like she was waiting for a hug.

“I love your dress!!!” A squeaky voice blurted out. Both Scarlett and Nanè whipped around to face the stranger at the same time. A little girl with a head of messy hair smiled and waved.

“Oh, excuse us.” Her mother said happily. “This is Lucy.”

“Good day, Lucy.” Scarlett gave a friendly reply.

“Y-Yes, hello.” Nanè nervously stammered. “Scarlett.. I’ll be back.”

Nanè jogged off. Lucy snatched Scarlett’s sleeve. She fiddled around with the lace like she’d never seen such a thing. Scarlett chuckled. “She’s obsessed with princesses.” Her mother said lightheartedly. “Don’t mind her.”

“So, are you a time traveler?” Lucy asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Well..”

Lucy’s mother nodded quickly. She looked like she were standing on the edge of a cliff.. and Scarlett would be the one to push her off. “Y-Yes.” Scarlett—somewhat awkwardly, replied. Lucy’s mother breathed a sigh. “I am a time traveler from a far—long away land.” Lucy’s mother grinned widely. She winked at Scarlett, who smiled and returned it.

“What’s the name?” Lucy questioned with a raised brow.

“Far-away-land-ia.”

“It just sounds like you’re from Ireland.”

“--I’m from ancient Ireland.” Scarlett quickly and lightheartedly stated. “I’m from so far away your greatest grandmother would not even know.. the time…… I was… at.. living...?”

Lucy’s mother burst out laughing. The widest grin humanly possible spread across Lucy’s face. Her eyes lit up like Christmas lights. “Can I ask-”

“I suggest we get going now.” Lucy’s mother interrupted, taking her daughter’s hand. “We’ll see you around, time traveler.”

“It was an honor to make your acquaintance.” Scarlett politely replied.

Lucy’s mother giggled. She waved her hand in a dismissive manner and pulled her away. Lucy pointed, still chattering like there wasn’t an end in sight. Scarlett sighed. They turned to Nanè, who leaned against a tree. She shoved an odd square device back into her sleeve and raced over. “I’m sorry.” She huffed. “I can’t wait to sit down.”

Scarlett chuckled. “Well, follow me.” Nanè said. “’Don’t want to be late.” Scarlett nodded and lifted their dress a little bit. They squared their shoulders and took a step forward—only for their toes to slam into cement. “There’s stairs there.” Nanè, who was already halfway up shrugged. “Make sure to look where you’re going.”

Scarlett hopped up the stairs. Nanè grabbed their arm and yanked them up the last one. Scarlett’s legs trembled again. “You’ve never walked up that many stairs in your life, have you?” She asked playfully. Scarlett stumbled a little bit.

“N-No.” They huffed.

Scarlett pulled off a glove. Awful choice. The sun burnt through their skin. They fanned themself off. Sweat dripped down their face, melting off their makeup like wax. Nanè and Scarlett went on their way, dodging group after group. Parents and teachers watched, trying not to lose their giggling children in the ocean of them. A few kids ran past the two, holding hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy.

“So why is it so busy here, if you do not mind my asking?” Scarlett said, breathing through their mouth so the overwhelming stench of sweets wouldn’t suffocate them.

“Today’s the day Kai Williamson makes bank.”

Scarlett tilted their head. “Excuse me. It’s just a day where some of us stand out, wave and teach about history.” Nanè shrugged. Scarlett’s heart skipped a beat. Then it plunged into their stomach. Their eyes shot wide. Their jaw dropped.

“H-Have you bamboozled me?! Is this a phony scam??!” Scarlett spluttered. “We were here to solve a missing persons case and children are running rampant?!”

“It’s more complicated than that.” Nanè sighed, looking over her shoulder. “Why else would a time traveling agency be created in a time like this?”

Scarlett tried to find something to say, but their thoughts shut up this time. “B-But why??”

“You’ll see real soon.” Nanè replied. Scarlett looked up. A billboard as large as the sky stood just above the entrance. Scarlett stopped right in their tracks. The man in the sign looked like he had been trapped inside. He wore an elaborate pleated garment and was adorned in glittering jewelry.

He talked and grinned with the most enthusiasm humanly possible. His eyes were framed by thick eyeliner and bright blue eyeshadow, which suited him well because they certainly didn’t smile. A pen flew through the air. He caught it, clicked it and started writing at the bottom of the screen.

The international agency of time travel welcomes you! -Kafele

Nanè grabbed Scarlett’s arm and tugged them away. Scarlett watched as the sign got smaller and smaller.

“Watch out.” Nanè said briskly. “You don’t want to stop like that.”

Nanè slammed her arm into a door, which swung open. “Peso!” She whisper-shouted. A man leaned up up from against the wall and waved.

“Here.” He huffed, rushing over to her. “I’m-”

“Keep your phone on.” She grumbled. “I’ve been trying to get a hold of you-”

“Of course.” He said in a breath.

He turned to Scarlett, who looked up at him and smiled. “Good day, sir.” They said politely.

“And you are..?”

“Scarlett Hughes.” Nanè introduced. She rested her hands on Scarlett’s shoulders and eased them to the side. “And Scarlett, this is Peso.”

Peso’s eyes were ungodly wide. “What were you thinking…?”

“I wasn’t. Take Scarlett. I’ll go notify the board.”

“O-Okay...”