Learning to Love Time Loops Without Going Insane

“Hey, Ethel?”

“Yes, Bug?”

“Why do you believe us every time we start a new loop? The more I learn, the more I think this shouldn’t be an easy thing to accept.”

“I had a very strange childhood. As you all know, Albert saved me when I was a child, so you aren’t the first talking animal I’ve met. But you are right. There is something else here.” A giant smile crossed Ethel’s face as she looked down at Bug.

“Can you keep a secret?”

“Probably not, no.” Her tail was wagging furiously. “But I can try!”

“You only need to keep it for a little while anyway. I think once Cal is done figuring out his core, I’ll tell everyone anyway.”

“What is it?”

“Follow me to the backyard, and I’ll give you a demonstration of my secret, but we can’t do much, okay?”

“Okay”

Ethel left the room through the sliding glass door that led to her backyard. It was bricked in to keep prying eyes out. Bug Followed closely behind her, keeping her eyes peeled for any birds or squirrels.

Ethel walked over to a small potted plant on her porch rail. “Come here, Bug, and watch closely.”

Bug obeyed. She saw Ethel lower her hand to the plant and place one finger on the stem.

“Hello, Miss Orchid. Would you be interested in blooming for me? I want to show my good friend my special gift.” Ethel's voice was full of genuine kindness.

“As you wish, my friend.” A small voice emanated from somewhere in the center of the plant, and as Bug watched, the flower at the top of the stem began to bloom.

“She’s beautiful, Ethel.”

“Yes, she is. Thank you, Miss Orchid.” The plant did not respond this time, but the flower vibrated just slightly. “Come on, Bug. Let’s go back inside. I’m sure you have some questions.”

Bug followed Ethel to her favorite couch, climbed up, and curled comfortably next to her. “So, do you have magic like Cal?”

“Something like that. A very long time ago, I went swimming in a pond in this radiant glade my parents had found. I felt something change inside of me, and afterward, I found that if I really concentrated, I could talk to smaller plants. My parents told me that it was critical that I kept it secret, and now that I’ve seen who is after Cal, I understand why. But I think the time for secrets, at least amongst our group of friends, is quickly approaching an end.”

“I bet Cal can help you learn to make it stronger when he’s done figuring his out, too!”

“I think I’d like that.”