The Starry Night

Walternate Universe FBR-52

“In how many universes have I died already?” I asked TOTO
“That’s somewhat classified” he replied as he handed me a file
“He’s a truck driver heading up north but he forgot something
You need to go into his house, he hasn’t been home in a while”

“I haven’t been home in a while” I said feeling a bit frustrated
“I don’t know whether I’m coming or going or dreaming again”
“We understand” TOTO replied, “but you have to do this quickly
You’ll pick up a box then teleport to his destination by 6am”

It was near midnight when I teleported to his house
Everyone was asleep when I saw the box on the table
“What’s in the box?” I whispered into the brace
“N-2-K-B” TOTO replied while I took a bite of a bagel

As I prepared to teleport to the coordinates I was given
Something on the wall caught my attention as I stirred
It was the pictures of my family, my kids, my parents
“TOTO…Is my father, is my dad still alive in this world?”

“Need To Know Basis” TOTO said “you were supposed to…”
“TOTO, there are recent pictures of my father here”
“Yes” the robot replied “I’m sorry we didn’t want you to…”
“Didn’t want to what?” I said feeling my eyes began to tear

I removed the brace and turned it off to disconnect
I sat in the dark for a few moments trying to think
The box was a gift my alternate had gotten for him
I could see my father again, it made my heart sink

In the morning I teleported to my parent’s address
My mom was picking up a paper and stood by the doorframe
“A little too early for the party?” she said hugging me
“You know me” I said “I always take the fast lane”

As I walked through their house, pictures hung everywhere
Here, he got to play ball and realized some many of his dreams
I stared at an old picture in a jersey I didn’t recognize
“Remember that one” he said “when I made the team?”

A shock ran through me when I heard his voice
He was in great shape and I stared at him in awe
“I remember” I lied but I tried to keep my composure
“Happy birthday” I said joyful that I got to hug my pa’

I spent the day with my parents making breakfast and lunch
Spent hours talking, appreciating the little precious time
I watched my parents grow old, graciously and happy together
This universe got it right and everything seemed divine

As I said goodnight I hugged both of them once again
“We’ll see you tomorrow?” he said I shook yes with delight
He said “I love you son” and his words echoed in my mind
Before I left I walked several blocks admiring the starry night


261 Unique
487 Total