A Promise Across Time [Completed]

Seizing the Moment

October 1965
Sweden

***RAVEN

It had been weeks since that dream about Aunt Ciel and her warning about changing the course of the future. The dream clung to me like a shadow, a constant reminder that my time here could end abruptly. Aunt Ciel hadn't told me how I'd be brought back, just that staying here too long could disrupt everything. I assumed I would simply vanish, transported back to where I came from, just as mysteriously as I had arrived. The thought unsettled me.

Aunt Ciel's presence in the dream felt so vivid, so real. I had no doubt she was speaking to me, though I still couldn't figure out how. Ciel Meyers was known for her mysterious talents—though not a time traveler, she possessed the ability to transcend time and space in ways that always bewildered me. Perhaps it was some form of dream telepathy, or maybe something beyond my understanding. Either way, I couldn't dwell on it. Right now, all I wanted was to make the most of every moment I had left here.

"Hey, Frida," I called out as I watched her getting ready for her day. She was standing by the mirror, adjusting her hair and humming softly to herself. "Can you take me to the park today?"

Frida turned, startled by my sudden request. I could see the surprise in her eyes; she wasn't expecting me to ask that, not today. She had a busy day planned—another rehearsal with her band and meetings for the upcoming show. I could see the hesitation on her face, the internal battle between her commitments and my sudden plea.

"I know you're busy," I added quickly, my voice softer, "but I just want to spend some time with you, if you can."

She studied me for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to gauge why I seemed so urgent. I tried to mask the restlessness I felt, the gnawing fear that at any moment I could vanish, but it must have shown on my face.

"Alright," she said, her voice calm and warm, though there was a touch of curiosity in it. "Give me a few minutes to change."

I smiled, relieved she'd agreed. "You don't have to," I said quickly. "You look fabulous. You always do."

Frida squinted at me, sensing the rush in my voice. She was always perceptive, able to read me like a book even when I tried to keep things to myself. I could tell she was trying to figure out why this outing suddenly seemed so important to me.

As she stepped into her room to grab her jacket, I walked over to the window, watching the outside world. People passed by on their way to work or errands, unaware of how precious every moment seemed to me. This wasn't just another day. I felt like I was running out of time, and the fear of disappearing before I could say goodbye to Frida gnawed at me.

A few minutes later, Frida returned, slipping on her jacket with a casual elegance. "Alright," she said with a small smile. "Let's go to the park."

I grinned, grabbing my coat which she had bought for me two years ago, and rushing out the door beside her. We walked in comfortable silence, the city buzzing with life around us. The streets were bustling with people, but all I could focus on was the time I had left with her. I didn't know how long it would be before Aunt Ciel's warning became reality. Every step I took beside Frida felt like a countdown, ticking away in the back of my mind.

When we reached the park, the air was crisp and fresh, the autumn leaves crunching beneath our feet. The sun filtered through the trees, casting golden light over the playground and pathways. I inhaled deeply, savoring the moment. Frida looked at me, her eyes still searching for answers.