NINE TIME MACHINES: Do you want to undo your entire life on planet earth?

CHAPTER 64

Daylight hides the reality of truth. That's the first thing that comes to mind as I step on to Florence Street. I quickly assess the situation then weigh my options. Leer Island police have long been rumoured to be vicious once darkness falls. Anything that moves has a one in two chance of instant death; especially if it leaks from Florence Street Extension or creeps up from the Cave Beach Stretch. I am no friends with bad elements but something tells me I should draw close to midnight if I want to survive this night. Before I push on, I glance nervously at the dark churchyard. Out front are those countless graves where enemies and friends lie alike, and those three intrusive palm trees that dance in the wind. You know, maybe Father should start leaving the lights on. That way everyone can see if the dead truly do come alive at night.

I pull my legs unstuck from their spot and pass the schoolyard then draw back. An employee finishes locking the bakery. He saunters down Granderson Street towards the bright lights. Two corners down, the police station takes up an entire block, and the four streets that surround it are well lit. Nothing's going to pull me their way, that's for sure. The only place that seems dark enough to hide me in its shadows is Florence Street. And the park is the ideal closet. Dare I risk being so close to Florence Street Extension at this hour, though? My feet say yes. So I pass the bakery, and the fire station opposite, and tiptoe through the street until I reach the park.

The lion does not roar this time, which gives me hope that things just might go well after all. Even the park has dim lights drizzling down on the trees. It's the perfect setting for couples, like that one from the other day. I quickly dismiss any thought of new love and stroll in, just in time to hear leaves crush beneath someone's feet. What the hell! I don't have to wonder for long. A tall man wearing a broad hat quickly approaches then stops and points directly at me.