Remembrance

The skullcap interface of the Time Machine is tight and cold; I try to relax and form the scene correctly in my mind. It had been a clear night, with the aerocity's buildings floating around us like incandescent bubbles. Emma, still giggly from the wine, nestled in my arm.

"That one!" She pointed, bouncing on her toes. "We'll live there."

The Machine's humming reaches a crescendo, then unexpectedly declines.

<< Error: worldline match failed. >>

<< Unable to locate spacetime event. >>

My last hope dies. I am left in the present with hazy nostalgia - that changes on each recollection - my only solace now.