Too Little, Too Late

Too Little, Too Late [#SciFriday]

"I'm sorry." Two words that hold no meaning-no matter how many times you repeat them, it won't erase the scars you've left in my heart.

I stared up at the ceiling in fascination. The colors swirled up to the surface, the hues mixing with each other in complementary patterns. It was too colorful for my taste-it only reminded me of happy days that were long gone. My hand reached out involuntarily, as his face appeared on my mind.

Snap out of it, I chided myself. Don't waste your time on what-could-have-beens. It's not worth it.

Hauling myself upright, I snapped myself back to reality. Ten long years have passed since then-there is no more reason for to hope that he would come back. That is, if he ever even existed in the first place. I crossed the path to the door, willing myself numb. There's no sense dwelling on water under the bridge.

R-I-I-IING! R-I-I-IING!

The sharp ringing of a phone rang in my ears, making me feel faint for a second. After a few more rings, I eventually got myself together and answered the machine. "Hello?"

A startlingly familiar voice came onto the speaker. "Follow me." Then, click.

Follow me. That doesn't make sense now, does it? Just then, the emergency pager came on. "I'm waiting for you."

Another ring resounded outside in the hallways, newfound hope warming my insides. I won't lose anything now, would I? The worst that can happen is for me to be sedated and on probation. Excitement coursed through me as I reached for the door, but I felt static rush through my veins. A tiny compact box was located in a corner just below the ceiling almost inconspicuously; its wires taped securely, curling up onto the doorknob itself. So, I mused. They still think I'm ludicrous, after all. I can't blame them.

But no matter. Adventure, in my own right, is an opportunity I won't let pass by me.

I wrenched the door open-following the direction of the ringing sounds in an almost frenzied state. I sprinted down the halls and maneuvered my way through, running past everyone amidst their curious stares. When I finally reached my destination-the rooftop, it seems-I found myself face-to-face with the one person I've always wanted to forget. Him.

He took a step towards me, his hand outstretched. "I'm here now."

I recoiled from his touch, a rueful smile gracing my lips. "You're too late. It's too late." I felt the last string snap, and my whole world came tunneling into nothingness.