Parallel Predicaments

12

The police's investigation had the entire school on a temporary hiatus. During this period, Sheldon made daily visits to my place under the guise of protection, though it seemed more about enjoying a free meal.

Everything remained calm until a call from future Nami shattered the peace, hinting at an impending danger drawing closer.

On the day the school resumed after the break, students organized a visit to Professor Stephen's grave, located on the hill behind the campus. The gloomy weather, sharp winds, and cawing crows set a somber mood as we paid our respects, remembering him as the wise and kind mentor, unaware of his darker obsession with his research.

As we were leaving, future Nami called. I lagged behind the group to answer. She warned, "Nami, listen, this might be the last time I can contact you. The Scientific Bureau is in chaos. Worldwide temporal rifts are opening uncontrollably. We must use technological means to forcefully close them, ending our communications. Remember, safeguard the chip; it's the key to starting over." She hung up abruptly, her tone grave, indicating the severity of the situation in her timeline.

I relayed this to Sheldon, mentioning the chip. "It's the core of the quantum device," he explained, causing me a sense of dread. "We need to check the lab now."

Upon arrival, we found the device missing, leaving behind only scattered wires, despite the lab being securely locked before our visit. I suspected the future perpetrator, who seemed to anticipate our moves.

Frustrated, I lamented our late arrival, but Sheldon revealed a crucial detail. "The device is gone, but the chip is safe. I've been carrying it for monitoring purposes and had used it in your laptop for data logging at your place."

We had to rush home, aware the chip was the murderer's target, likely crucial to her scheme.

The drive was hindered by traffic, prompting me to suggest an alternate route through a seldom-used tunnel. As we navigated the darkness, a white car appeared, blocking our path. Sheldon honked, but it remained stationary. As we neared, the car suddenly reversed, accelerating towards us.

"Back up!" I urged Sheldon.

Despite his efforts to reverse, it was too late. The white car collided with ours, sending us spinning. As the vehicle tumbled, I was thrown from my seat, glass shards grazing my skin, and dirt filling the interior. The force of impact brought an overwhelming pain from all directions, engulfing me in darkness.