At the time, I would have gave anything in the world to have her back..Karen. This...drinking problem practically ruined my life."
Dr. Gram nods and quirks the corner of his lips as though he can tell.
"I couldn't change," Tim assures, "Tried to change. Many times actually and she felt lonely. I lost her, lost my house, dropped out of school in which I was almost finished up with my degree becoming exactly what you are today."
Dr. Gram looks down a bit at the thought of Tim becoming like him. He had wondered if he hadn't gone to college to study psychology, would they have matching lifestyles.
"The whole world came crashing down on me," says Tim, "The memories I have, with her specifically, I hold dear to my heart. I know I loved her, but she couldn't see that. I was too busy drinking most of the time so she left. I got a job as a warehouse worker. Found this apartment here and made due."
"In which you sat here and...created the Pendulum in this apartment?" Dr. Gram asks.
"Created?" Tim asks, "No, nor is it just here. It can be where you decide for it to be, but it best be someplace safe. Wouldn't want to form your Pendulum in the middle of the mall when you get angry and want to get away would you? That'd attract too much attention."
They both take a sip of their scotch.
"Guess so," responds Dr. Gram.
"From the time you were born, "Tim continues, "whether that was when you were just a seed or coming out the womb depending on your beliefs, your own personal Pendulum begins to swing freely. It's just waiting for your arrival. Your birth is the engine of your Pendulum."
"And when you die? What happens to your Pendulum? What happens to it then?"
"Now how am I suppose to know that?" Tim asks with a chuckle, "But I would assume your Pendulum stops swinging."
"Sol lets say this place does exist. You say, I can go there anytime?"
"Anytime."
"And you can show me how?"
"Yes."
Dr. Gram thinks for a bit and sips his scotch.
"Don't you miss your wife, Dr. Gram?"
Dr. Gram looks at him and then at his wedding ring.
"I know about the car accident a few years ago, Jane was it? I read it in the papers."
Dr. Gram sits very still.
"Is that your cherished memory? To be with her again?"
Dr. Gram remains silent as his eyes begins to gloss, he finishes his scotch.
“You can see her...if you'd like."
Dr. Gram shakes his head.
"You're saying, granted that this place is real, it'd really be her? Would it really be, Jane?"
"I am unsure."
"Then show me."
Tim nods and finishes his scotch.
"Come with me."
YOU ARE READING
The Pendulum
Short Story"It works like the hard drive of a computer, but with infinite storage capacity. This place varies from person to person. It's practically an external hard drive of your brain brought into reality. Think of this place like an infinite storage room f...
