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

CHAPTER 92

The next morning, I spend some time walking around the hostel grounds. Matron Caine's herb garden is springing new leaves. I smile and brush a gentle hand over them as I pass by. The caretaker scowls at me. I guess he's tired of dealing with silly girls who never seem to value anything. Or maybe he too hates the elite because no one ever gave him a pampered life.

Perhaps in another lifetime we will compare notes. This moment belongs to me alone. My clock is racing ahead to the finish line. I look up at Matron's window, wondering what that old witch is doing. Probably counting down the seconds till I'm gone for good. Maybe she's even regretting that extra week she lumped on. Oh, don't worry about that, Matron. We'll fix this problem soon enough. Then you'll get to clean my room and cry. And why not? It's time you felt some of my pain. You don't get to make me suffer and walk away untouched. Ebony's sister is already dead. You're the only one left to pay. I need the guilt to gnaw away at your soul. I want you to kneel in my room and wish you had helped me across the bridge.

My emotions must be oozing out of my face again. The caretaker stops everything and just stares at me. I escape to the other side, where the burgundy benches are. The sun is blazing hot so no one is there. Plus, it's too early anyway. Most of the women are probably washing or food shopping, a handful on their jobs even, most likely breathing dragon's fire down someone's neck, forcing them to walk out on what might be their last hope. No, Mary. This is not what you want to be thinking of on a day like today. I walk to the other side of the yard and listen as the winds sneak up on the trees. Their leaves giggle with delight that they're worth all this attention. A smile warms my face for a brief moment. At least someone's being loved and appreciated. Should it really matter that it's not me? Let them have their moment of bliss.