To Turn Back Time

Broken Glass and Frozen Floors

The dean was kneeling before a large bookshelf of the left wall, thumbing through a red-bound book. He was completely absorbed in his task when Coco arrived and didn't even glance at her. The dean was mumbling something to himself, but she could only catch every third word. After a few moments, he let out a quiet cry of, "Aha! Here it is–" And pulled out a tiny flash drive from a tiny cutout in the book.

The mere sight of him made her leg throb.

He straightened his legs, turning toward her as he said, "Apologies, I had to–Coco!" As soon as he looked up, his eyes grew wide and he gasped. "There you are, I was starting to wonder if you really were okay. Come, sit, sit." He ushered her to the bench in front of his desk. She sat stiffly, roughly gripping the fabric of her pants.

She forced her eyes away from her hands and began tracing the familiar sights around the dean's office. A pair of thick, blackout curtains were drawn over the enormous window that spanned the length of the back wall.

A majority of the light in the room came from the enormous monitors set up all across the dean's desk as well as tiny black lamps attached to the bookshelves. The dean settled himself behind the desk, partially hidden by his several screens. He leaned down to flick a lever hidden under the desk. He pushed the top layer of the desk away, leaving a smooth pathway so they could clearly see one another.

"Would you care for some hot chocolate?" He's already pulling out a mug and rolls his chair over to the hot water machine despite the fact that Coco gave no indication of wanting it. "How is your leg, darling?"

"It'll heal." She muttered as he set the steaming cup in front of her.

The dean settled back into his chair and gave her a deceptively kind smile. She glanced at the hot chocolate, carefully reaching out to pick it up. It was warm, not just the cup, the room was just the right temperature that her cold toes began to tingle with warmth. From the just-so temperature to tantalizingly creamy hot chocolate and soft light, the atmosphere was set for a cozy conversation between friends.

Yet, Coco's heart continued to thud violently against her chest and she shivered. Her muscles were like springs, coiled up and ready to launch her at the slightest indication of trouble.

He nodded, "I was very worried when I heard of what happened. I really thought we'd lost you, which would've been a terrible tragedy...especially considering all the risks I've taken with you." The dean let his gaze fall on her, "Wouldn't it?"

"Sure." Coco replied, folding her arms over her chest and avoiding his stare.

"When do the doctors think you'll be able to get back to work?"

She shrugged, "Dunno."

He nodded slowly as he picked at his finger nail. "I see..."

Coco rubbed the spot on her legs where her fingernails had been digging into her leg. She traced the faint lines of cream as they disappeared into the steaming beverage before her.

The dean began to hum softly as though he were contemplating something. "Well, after your appointment today, be sure to ask them...or maybe I can call them."

"No." Coco replied a bit too fast, "No. I can do it. I'll tell you next time."

He looked her over. "If you say so. I'll be expecting a full report then, understand?"

"Yes, sir."

"Wonderful–"

Just as the dean was standing up to escort her to the door, an earth-shaking explosion rocked the entire building to its core. The dean was thrown to the floor as the windows shattered, scattering tiny shards of glass across the room. Coco gaped, and scrambled to her feet, wincing as tiny shards of glass poked her foot.