Entanglement of Time

Epilogue

Summary: A timeline is an extremely delicate thing, but modifying it makes it worth the gamble to alter it for the better.

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The sun timidly retreats behind a curtain of clouds, teasing the city with fleeting shadows, only to reemerge moments later in a radiant display of golden light. The storm that had rolled through earlier, fierce and unforgiving, had drenched the streets and left a lingering coolness in the air. Now, as the rainwater glistens on the pavement like scattered diamonds, life resumes with a gentle hum.

Cars cautiously navigate puddles, their tires hissing softly against the wet asphalt, while pedestrians venture out, their steps lighter under the clearing sky. The weathermen's dire predictions of a full-blown cyclone had stirred up worry, but the tempest proved mercifully brief, leaving the city washed clean and invigorated.

On the outskirts, where the hustle and noise of the urban core give way to tranquil suburbs, the scene shifts to a sprawling estate nestled among verdant greenery. The driveway curves gracefully around an ornate fountain, its water sparkling under the returning sunlight.

A sleek, dark vehicle pulls up, its tires crunching softly on the gravel. As it comes to a stop, the gentle purr of the engine fades, replaced by the sound of laughter spilling from within.

The car doors swing open in unison, and two couples step out, their voices overlapping in animated conversation. Chad is the first to bound toward the grand front door, his energy palpable as he raises a fist to knock. The rhythmic sound echoes across the still air, carrying a cheerful anticipation. The others hang back slightly, exchanging smiles and lighthearted remarks as they wait.

The door opens swiftly, revealing Tara. Her petite frame is dwarfed by the imposing doorway, but the warmth of her expression radiates an unmistakable welcome. Her dark eyes light up as she recognizes her visitor.

"Chad!" Tara exclaims, her voice a blend of joy and surprise.

Before she can say more, Chad surges forward, sweeping her into a bear hug so exuberant it lifts her off the ground.

Tara laughs despite herself, patting his back in mock protest. "Chad, put me down!" she gasps, squirming in his arms.

Realizing his enthusiasm might be overkill, Chad sets her down hastily, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Sorry, I'm just excited to see you!" he admits, ruffling the back of his neck awkwardly.

"It's fine," Tara says, smoothing her shirt as she steps aside to let them all in.

Her smile softens as her gaze sweeps over Liv, who offers a knowing shrug and a grin. "He's been like this since Amber called," Liv explains, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to Chad's boundless energy.

"Sounds about right," Tara replies, waving her in.

Behind them, Mindy rolls her eyes in mock exasperation. "Leave it to Chad to act like a golden retriever," she quips, though her affectionate grin betrays her fondness for her brother's antics.

Anika follows close behind, her warm smile brightening the threshold. She exchanges a brief hug with Tara before stepping inside, leaving the storm's remnants behind. The door closes with a soft click, and the group is immediately enveloped in the cozy atmosphere of Tara and Amber's home.

The living room is alive with the scent of spiced candles and the gentle hum of conversation. Chad wastes no time making himself at home, diving to the floor where Tank, the couple's lively pitbull puppy, is waiting with a wagging tail and a squeaky toy clutched in his mouth. The glossy brindle pup lets out an excited bark as Chad initiates a game of fetch, the toy bouncing across the room as Tank chases after it with joyful abandon.