QUINN MINUTE: Anyplace, Anytime

Forward or backward?

by Rix Quinn

As the room darkened, I grasped the signet ring, named my office address, then added “9 AM, May 28,”…three days ago. The lights brightened, and I stood in our office kitchen at the refrigerator.

I opened the door, and found the sack lunch with my name on it. Inside was a meat loaf sandwich, the remains of a big dinner from last weekend. I clearly remembered that meal was long gone. So…for sure I was living in the past right now.

Ernie came in laughing about a joke, and he started to repeat it. Since I’d heard him the first time, I knew the punch line. Wow.

I walked back to my office, closed the door, and again clasped the ring. Instantly, I returned to Thursday, in my bathroom.

The signet ring that old man gave me is real. It transported me to the past. How long was I there? I had walked into my bathroom when the wall clock said 5:05. It was now 5:06.

The old man promised “forward or backward in time.” I quivered with anticipation. I squeezed the ring and whispered “Texas, anytime, 2075.”

My wish should have been more specific. The next scene terrified me.

This episode presented by: https://amzn.to/4kWXs2n.