Acme Time Travel Incorporated - Volume 2

Gabriel had tapped Vicky to go online as they had been walking to John’s care home. He had explained that they were going to see John, both to tell him his plan to get to the ACME buildings and to see how his state of health was.

“He may not want me to review his health,” Vicky suggested.

“Why not?” Ginny asked.

“I don’t rightly know,” Vicky replied, “but I think that one of the reasons that he gave me to Gabriel was because he didn’t want any more medical assistance. I think he feels that he has ... well, that he has lived long enough.”

Gabriel looked at Ginny.

“All of his friends are gone, you know,” continued Vicky. “He still enjoys things, music for example, but his body causes him pain, and there is nothing that I can do about it.”

“Do you think that he wouldn’t want us to try to get him another STU then?” Gabriel asked.

“I strongly believe that John sees no point in trying to extend his life,” said Vicky. “It holds little or no joy for him anymore. I think that he sees a relapse into his former condition as a ... how is it phrased ... a ‘blessed relief from pain’.”

Ginny looked saddened at Vicky’s statement.

“Do you realise,” Vicky continued, “that John still loves Mary, even though she died many years ago. He still visits her grave. I think he still regrets that she made him wear me instead of her. As her dementia coursed through her, I could see its effect on him. It stripped him of any joy. He watched her illness lead her away from him. He would sit by her chair as she sat looking at nothing. He would hold her hand and cry out in his sadness and his loneliness.”

Gabriel took Ginny’s hand as they walked along. He could see her blinking back tears.

“So, do you think that there is any point then, going to see John?” Gabriel asked.

“John is my friend,” said Vicky, “and I would like to go to see him. Even if all we are doing is saying good-bye.”

. . . . . . . .

John had put the kettle on. He hadn’t been surprised to see Ginny turn up with Gabriel, and he had pushed two little fold-up chairs together for them to sit down on.

John had gone to the cupboard to take out two extra cups, and when Ginny had stood up to get the milk from his fridge, John had noticed that she unconsciously patted Gabriel’s knee as she stood up. It made him smile.

“How are you, John?” Gabriel asked.

“I’m fine, thank you,” said John.

There was a pause, as though everyone in the room was hesitant to continue the conversation.

“And how are you, Vicky?” John asked. “I see that you have transformed ... a lot more ... well ... modern, I suppose.”

“I’m fine John,” Vicky said. “I wasn’t sure if you would recognise me.”

“I’m glad to hear your voice again,” said John, “and Gabriel?”

“Yes?” said Gabriel.

“I’m very pleased that you took my advice,” continued John.

“Which advice was that?” said Gabriel.

“The advice about trusting someone.”

“You told that to me,” said Ginny, somewhat worriedly.

“Yes,” agreed John. “And you told Gabriel. And Gabriel listened to you. I’m very pleased that he did.”

Gabriel took hold of Ginny’s hand and gave it a squeeze.

“John,” Gabriel said, “we have been talking ... that is Vicky and us. We were thinking of maybe trying to get to the ACME facilities, to see if ...”

John looked horrified.

“You could get killed. All of you. Why would you want to do such a thing?” he said. “You would have little to gain, and much to lose.”

“We had wondered if we could maybe get another STU ...,” Gabriel said, suddenly aware that Ginny was shaking her head at him.

“What? And keep me from relapse?” said John angrily. “I would have thought that Vicky would know me better than that.”

“I do know that, John,” Vicky said quietly.

“I don’t want to live this life any longer,” John growled. “My pleasures are all in the past.”

“But ...,” said Gabriel.

“And they were all stripped away from me,” continued John. “The pain was almost too much to bear.”

Gabriel looked at Ginny. He was horrified at John’s outburst, wishing that he could have taken back what he had said.

“Do not mistake me,” said John. “Vicky gave me great comfort through the years, but now ...”

“It was my pleasure, John,” said Vicky. “You have been my great friend, and I was pleased to have helped you in what ways that I could.”

“And now it is time for you to help this young couple,” said John. “Please look after them, Vicky, as you did me. Don’t let them come to harm.”

Ginny looked over at Gabriel.

“And now maybe it’s time for you to go,” said John. “My old bones are feeling very weary today.”

“Alright, John,” Gabriel said, getting up. “Thank you for seeing us.”

“Good-bye, John,” Vicky said. “It has been a great pleasure knowing you.”

“Good-bye Vicky,” John replied. “I have treasured our acquaintance.”