New York, 31 December 2085
Ava embarked on her inaugural time jump to New York, arriving at a secluded spot within the South End of Central Park. Disoriented, she found herself swallowed by an unrelenting snowstorm, an expanse of white that obliterated all visibility. As she extended her arm, the falling snow obscured even the sight of her own fingers. She had prepared for temperatures around minus 3°C; instead, she was met with an unforgiving minus 10°C. Each breath felt like icy needles against her skin, piercing through every layer of clothing.
She was quickly reminded of the time she forgot her gloves when they went skiing that time in Klosters and spent the day trying to hide the ever-deepening pain, which was only surpassed when, back at the chalet, she put her hands in warm water and nearly screamed the place down with the agony. Luckily, the others had still been in the bar.
Ava battled against the relentless blizzard, every step sinking her deeper into three feet of snow. It took forty gruelling minutes before she oriented herself, gradually gaining a sense of direction amidst the howling chaos.
Her choice of clothing, including a durable winter jacket, gloves, and a hat, turned out to be a lifesaver. Without them, finding a way out of the park might have been impossible. The irony of the situation struck her – the eager office junior aiming to make an impression – stumbling at the initial obstacle – unable to even exit a park. She began to understand the harsh truth about time travel – it was merciless, aiming to trip you up at every turn.
Ava would later discover that the tumultuous weather patterns had only begun about two years beforehand, in 2083. Its sudden emergence puzzled scientists, as similar anomalous weather events were detected globally. Prior to this, the planet had already been grappling with the challenges of climate change, but the severity of these new conditions was unprecedented.
She suspected a connection between the erratic weather and the catastrophic event slated for the following year. The timing seemed too coincidental to ignore; in her view, whoever was orchestrating the End of Days scenario was likely in a testing phase. If her hunch was correct, this offered SHADO insight into the nature of the coming devastation. It wasn’t going to be a nuclear detonation or a biological agent that would bring about the end, but rather something intricately tied to the planet itself.
Ava remained optimistic, hoping that internet cafés still existed in the year 2085. Otherwise, she’d have to navigate whatever substitutes passed for laptops and Wi-Fi connections in that era. As a precaution, she carried five thousand US dollars, hoping it would still hold value as legal currency. Failing that, she possessed gold jewellery that she could trade at a pawn shop. She had confidence that gold and pawn shops would still be a thing.
Thankfully, internet cafés had endured, experiencing a resurgence driven by the frigid weather and soaring heating expenses. People now gathered in these places where warmth was available, contributing to their renewed popularity
Ava was pleased to find that the US dollar was still the currency in use, and even happier that she had a plentiful supply. When she ordered a coffee and five hours of Internet time, she was met with a bill for $450, and showed her surprise at the cost.
“Lady, we got the cheapest coffee in Greenwich Village, and our internet’s practically on the house” the server remarked, a whisper of disdain evident in his tone, clearly disliking his job.
Ava handed him $500, insisting he keep the change. His expression brightened, a wide smile spreading across his face as he bid her a cheerful, “Have a nice day now.”
Ava nestled into a corner of the establishment and began scouring the web. The hum of chatter melded with the clatter of keyboards, creating a vibrant noise. The café had a distinct aroma, which Ava found pleasant. Amidst the fragrance of coffee and cakes, there lingered the scent of damp clothing and a faint tinge of perspiration – a tribute to everyone’s battle against the blizzard outside.
Patrons huddled over devices or fixed their eyes on monitors, their faces bathed in the gentle glow emitted by the screens, absorbed in the intricate world of cyberspace. The café, a sanctuary from the biting cold, thrived as a melting pot of life – a seamless fusion of information, sustenance and people.
In a sudden, sobering realisation, Ava’s thoughts took a haunting turn. A chill ran down her spine as she contemplated the fate awaiting every soul in that bustling café. Next year, they would all meet a tragic end, their aspirations and futures obliterated by a catastrophe orchestrated by some unknown force. It struck her – a silent, chilling revelation amidst the warmth and bustle – that within the vibrancy of that moment lay a future destined for annihilation.
If you would like to buy the book, it is currently available on Lulu.com – BUY NOW
