Alex had been asleep during his initial trip, so he was surprised by how long it seemed to take. After all, it is time travel, he thought. Suddenly, he felt a surge of pain run up his leg. He opened his eyes. For a moment, he saw his lifeless corpse twisted and slashed, near the base of a glassy crater. Arcs of black energy enveloped the body and it exploded into a shower of pulsating black orbs.
In an instant, Alex found himself looming over the edge of the glassy crater. Framed by a single strand of sky, an ominous swirling mass swelled overhead. The wind began to rise, lifting leaves, wafting waves upon once wistful sand. Above, black bolts arced and blazed across the sky. The swirl thundered and bulged at the center. The swirl rumbled, roared, and erupted. Alex fell to his knees, protecting his ears from the assault. Once again, the swirl bulged, pulsed, and burst at its center. Bolts of black struck the earth all around, preceding and explosion of blue-grey light along the crest of the horizon. The crater bloomed with light. The roar of thunder trailed off into the lapping wake of an ocean breeze.
The light from the crater grew into a blinding blue-grey light, as arcs of black energy enveloped Alex's body. Alex closed his eyes. The sound of the surf filled his ears and the salt air filled his lungs, as he exploded into a shower of blue-grey orbs that dissolved into the sand.
The sound of the surf faded. The salt air became sweet. The smell of freshly baked filled his nostrils. He heard the fall of feet on stone. Footsteps... cars... conversation… Alex opened his eyes. He was in an alley. Ahead of him, people passed by on the sidewalk at the mouth of the alley. Taxis, trucks, buses, and beeping horns bathed Alex in the familiar. He was home, across the street from his loft. By the odors emanating from Mr. Li's, it was almost time for lunch and he couldn't wait. The aroma of chocolate chips flooded his nostrils.
Chapter 25, George
He hated the city in summer. Even though he was one himself, he hated tourists. It was nothing personal. He just didn't like waiting. Tourists meant lines. During the summer in San Francisco, especially around the 4th, getting around took time. But today, he would grin and bare it. His mom was taking him to visit his grandpa.
George! Are you ready to go?
Ready Mom! I was ready to go the last time you asked! Is dad coming, he asked?
No, he's got a meeting downtown, but he'll meet us there later.
Figures, said George, punching the pillows on the couch.
Come on... we'll do some sight seeing on our way to grandpa's. By the time that we get there, your dad should be on his way. His mom hugged him and stroked his hair.
Alright, but can we go to the Museum of Torture Devices again? It's on the way... George looked up at her, wide eyed and pouty. Please, he whined?
His mom kept stroking his hair and gave him a big hug.
No, but I may buy you a candied apple if you give up on the puppy pout, she said.
Deal, said George, smiling.
Chapter 26, Beginnings
By the time that they'd finished touring the Embarcadero and Union Square, it was almost noon. George's dad paced back and forth on the sidewalk near his father's shop. George and his mom came around the corner across the street. George's mom waved to her husband.
George, there's Dad. I told you that he'd make it.
George saw his dad waving. George let go of his mom's hand and ran out into the street. He hadn't seen the taxi speeding to make it through the yellow light. His father called out for him to go back. George mistook his urgency for encouragement, so he kept running.
Alex walked out of the alley. The smog filtered sun felt good on his skin. It was nearly noon, so most of the morning haze had been obliterated by the noon day sun. He loved summers in SF. It might start off cold, but each day offered a new opportunity to lounge in the sun, dine on a new delicacy, or accept a smile from a beautiful stranger. He hadn't finished the thought when he saw a true beauty waving in his direction. She had a small boy in tow. As the boy started to wave, Alex realized that the man reciprocating their jocularity was their true target.
Suddenly, the man yelled out. Georgie, wait!
Alex turned and saw the boy dashing out into the street and he saw a taxi barreling through the traffic light at the corner. Before he knew what he was doing, Alex ran to the curb and snatched the boy out of the way. The taxi never stopped, nor did it slow down, but no one cared. George was alive. George's father ran over and threw his arms around the boy, muttering warnings of concern.
Jesus Georgie... what were you thinking? George's father looked at Alex and said thank you.
George's mom ran up with tears in her eyes. She took the boy into her arms and kissed him. Herbert George Li, what did I tell you about running off like that?
Alex's face went pale. He backed away from the frantic family reunion. Mr. Li came running out of the bakery and threw his arms around the family. A moment later, the boy dropped to the sidewalk and walked up to Alex. Fidgety and still a little shaken, little Herb Li said thank you and offered to ask his grandpa for some free cookies. Alex thanked him, but declined the offer. He still couldn't believe what just happened and who he'd just saved. I guess it worked, he thought. I really am home.
George cocked his head to one side, squinting like he'd seen his father squint. Are you okay mister, he asked?
I'm fine, said Alex.
You're looking really blue mister, said George, still squinting. George turned to call his parents and grandpa over. As he did, a blinding flash lit up the alley. A shower of pale blue-grey orbs rained down around him and faded from sight. George turned to look back and Alex was gone. George smiled, as he turned and ran back to his parents and Grandpa Li.
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