12 Strokes of Midnight

Chapter 15

CopyrightⒸ 2019 by B. R. Bailey All Rights Reserved

Stay here with Archimedes or go back home?

This is a once in a lifetime, once in many lifetimes, opportunity. Archimedes is a legend.

But...

I miss my family.

Still, Archie said I am the future. I can make a huge difference here.

What difference could I make in my own time though? There's so much going on, so many inventions.

Mom and Dad said I won't make any difference. That I won't drastically change anybody's life; the only way I'll save people and make a difference is by being a doctor.

Didn't Archie tell me himself that people laughed at him for his ideas?

Look at how much he changed the world.

Grandma said she couldn't wait to see what I could do. I want her to see what I make. I want my family to know who I really am, even if they don't respect me at first. Even if they never do respect me.

Archie, Archimedes, did make the platform for my world. My future. Well beyond the scope he, or anyone else of this era, could have imagined.

Is that it then? I go home?

Looking around the room, glowing red and gold in the wavering candlelight, I can't help but feel safe and comfortable.

My home life isn't anything like this. With work, maybe it can be. If I can help make a breakthrough, maybe fewer people will get sick and need doctors. I could help save the lives of patients and doctors alike.

How do I go back though?

There was supposed to be another day. A whole day to figure out how to get back.

I was out on the sea...do I need to be back there?

Thunder fills the room, making me shiver as I imagine the ferocity of the storm outside.

It's too dangerous. I can't go out on the water under these conditions. It's not just my own choice. Amara will never let me out at night. She's already told Donte to stay here until the storm passes.

He argued his job is his job to which she huffed and grumbled, but finally accepted on behalf of the Kings bidding.

If I don't try though...

Taking a huge gulp of air, I pick my spoon back up, thinking of a plan.

Once back in my room, I pull a sheet of paper out of my journal, writing a letter to Archie explaining that I have gone home, even though my family is far.

I'm the one who left, not the other way around.

Staying would be incredible, but I can't. Not if I'm going to make the future mine.

"Thank you for teaching me, Archie. I'll always remember you and always, always be your protege, even if you don't see what I make. You're right: We have the freedom to follow our hearts and what's in them is important, even if no one else thinks it's important and argues against it.

I want to follow my heart, just like you have. No one will change my mind ever again. Right now, as crazy as it is, my heart is telling me to find my family. Maybe I can't; maybe they're forever lost to me. I just know that I have to do this. Thank you again, for looking out for me and guiding me Archimedes.

Sincerely,

Ray"

Looking down at my letter in the weak candlelight, I make sure that I don't give away any vital information.