Double Twenty

Interlude

The twilight casts its final glow through the stained-glass windows of the old house. Vera, visibly moved, adjusts her microphone slightly, her gaze fixed on the elderly man sitting across from her. She takes a deep breath, her words laden with palpable emotion.

"These stories resonate with me. The love you describe touches me deeply. It's as if I am living their joys, their sorrows, their past, their present with them. But Mr. Sundial, now that you have revealed your true identity and introduced us to the mystery of time travel, how do these stories resonate with you today? Do you think these experiences have altered their perception of the world, or even yours?"

The old man smiles, his face tinged with a complex nostalgia. He seems to choose his words carefully, aware of the impact his words will have on Vera.

"Ah, dear Vera, these are fragments of life that continue to shape my soul. As a horologist, every moment, every choice, every love has left an indelible mark. The time travel you mention is not just a journey through time, but a deep exploration of what makes us human. Seeing how deeply it affects you reminds me why I chose to share these moments with you. They teach that love, in all its complexity, transcends time and unites us across the ages."

Vera nods, her eyes shining with newfound understanding. She feels even more connected to the story, as if her role has become that of a guardian of the emotions and truths being revealed.

"I understand better why these stories draw me in so much. They aren't just captivating; they are universal, eternal even. And now, as we move forward, I wonder... what lessons do you hope we, the listeners, will take from these stories? What should we carry with us so that the message is not just heard but felt and lived?"

The old man looks out the window, watching the last rays of the sun disappear over the horizon. His expression is that of someone with much to say but who chooses his words carefully to avoid revealing too much.

"Perhaps the most important lesson is that, despite life's ups and downs, every story, every moment of joy or pain, has its purpose. They shape us, define us, and yes, they can even change us. Your task, Vera, and that of your listeners, is not just to listen to these stories, but to let them resonate within you, to let them transform you. Every tick of time is precious, and we must cherish them. Time travel shows us that even the smallest moments can have enormous repercussions, and it teaches us the importance of living each moment fully."

Inspired and more determined than ever, Vera carefully notes every word, aware of the importance of conveying this essence to those who will hear her report. She feels that this story is not just the old man's, but also hers now, and that of everyone who will find an echo in it.