Flowers from 2020

A New Hope

George's eyes widened. "Are you... me?"

-

The old man, no, Future George, nodded. "Indeed I am."

"But how are you-?"

Future George held up his hand. "That doesn't matter, what matters is that I'm here now. And we can fix this."

"Fix what?" Asked George, frantically, "Does something bad happen today? Are we in danger?"

"Calm down, son." Future George reassured. "You're not in any danger, at least not anything physical."

George tilted his head. "So I am in danger... or...?"

Future George smiled softly. It was a bittersweet smile, full of loss and regret. George could see the pain in his eyes, it was a look of pure sorrow. "The only danger you're in my boy," Future George said softly, "is the danger of getting your heart broken."

George looked at his older self, confused. Heartbroken? That couldn't be right. George had never been in a relationship before, and he barely knew anyone. The only people he had for friends were Wilbur and his family.

Wilbur and his wife were happily married, so he knew that was out; and Tommy was a child! He shivered at the mere thought. All that left was Techno. Could he be the one Future George was talking about?

'No,' thought George, 'that wouldn't make sense. Techno and I don't like each other that way, I'm sure of it.'

George sat confused, he had no idea who else his future self could be talking about.

Unless...

No...

Dream?

Could that be who his future self meant? But again, that made no sense. He and Dream were just friends.

Weren't they?

George could admit that he had been growing more and more fond of Dream as the days passed. The best part of his day was when Dream would call. They would sit in the same room, 50 years apart, and talk for hours.

But... did he love Dream?

It was a complicated question.

Dream was his first real friend in a long time, and he made George feel things he had never felt before. He found himself wishing he and Dream could be there together, in the same room, at the same time, just for a moment. He wanted to be able to hug Dream and thank him for everything he's done for him. He wanted Dream to hold him close. To hug him and call George his own.

He did love Dream, George realized. He had for a while now, but now he could finally admit it to himself. He was in love with Dream, no doubt in his mind.

But Dream would never hurt him, at least not on purpose. That was something George was certain of.

"What happened...?" George asked tentatively, partially scared of the answer.

Future George sighed, "More than you can imagine..."

"So... why are you here? Is there something I can do?"

"Yes," said future George, "I believe there is something."

George waited for his future self to continue, but he was met with silence. So he waited until he heard the old man take a deep breath. Then he began to speak once more.

"George," Future George looked him in the eyes, "listen. Life is a precious thing, but it's not perfect. We are living proof of that. Time is a cruel thing, and its time that separates you from Dream. Things didn't work out in Dream's lifetime, or in mine. But they can in yours. I need you to listen to me, George. You can change the course of history, just as I'm doing now. You can make it so Dream and you can exist in the same time, together. You can live a full and happy life with him, but it comes at a price. You'll be changing the course of your life, Dream's life, and the lives of everyone around you. It's risky, but if it works, we can right the wrong that time has made."

George sat wide-eyed. What was his future self talking about? Does he mean what he thinks he means? Could he and Dream possibly be... together?

"But... how do I do that?"

"Don't worry, I've already thought of that," Future George said as he reached into his pocket. He handed George a small remote. "This is a device I invented myself, with the help of Wilbur. When you're ready, and only when you're ready, it will permanently take you to where your heart belongs."

George stared at the tiny device in his hand. It looked completely ordinary. The only thing on it was a small green handprint, the words 'take me home' written below it.

George looked back up to his future self, trying to see if he understood correctly. But before he could ask, his future self rose. He stood from his spot on the bed and turned to look at George again.

"My time here is running short George, but think about what I said. Wait until you're ready, but don't wait too long. If you do you'll regret it for the rest of your life"

"But what do I say to-"

"Here," future George reached into his pocket once more and pulled out an envelope, handing it to George. "Once you're together, read this. I hope it'll explain everything. Just promise me one thing."

George nodded slowly.

"Promise me you'll love him. Promise me you'll love him forever, and never take what you have for granted. This is something special, it's important to cherish it. Can you do that for me?"

"I- yes, I can. I will. Thank you."

"Good." Future George started to fade, but as he did, he said one last thing. "Oh and George?"

"Yes?"

"Bring him some flowers. He'll appreciate it."

And just like that he was gone, faded out of existence. And the George of the present sat there, staring at the remote in his hand, before turning to stare at the two green handprints stuck on his bedroom wall.

A new hope in his heart.