Oh my God, I’m such an idiot. We’re moving way too fast. I don’t want Adam’s first time to be rushed and desperate and in some strange place. My first time was like that, in the back of some guy’s car. With Adam, I want it to be special.

I might never get that chance with him. But he still deserves better than this.

I climb off him reluctantly. “I’m sorry. I got carried away.”

“Elena…” He sits up and reaches for me, sliding his arm around my waist.

“We’ll have time later,” I say and hope it’s true.

“Will we?” He stares off into the distance, then meets my eyes. “Elena, I don’t want to go back to our time.”

“You don’t?” Adam has every reason to go back. Why would he give up his future?

“We could stay in the future. Not go into the aperture. Live the rest of our lives here like this, together.”

It’s tempting, so tempting, but I shake my head. I might not be giving up much by staying here, but Adam will lose everything. “Your mom needs you. And the cure—you have to develop that someday.”

“I know.” His head drops. “I just…my future self said he never saw you again after we got back.”

I touch his chin and lift his head up. “You’ll see me again. I promise.”

But the same fear is inside me. Why didn’t we contact each other after we got back? Was it future shock, making us forget this moment ever happened? Or was there just no time between when we got back and my death?

“Good, because I’m not going anywhere.” He smiles and he’s so cute, with or without his glasses. And far too good to be with someone like me. “I said I’d protect you after all.”

I curl up beside him, resting my head on his shoulder. He wraps his arms around me and holds me against him. I can hear his heart pounding and place my hand on his chest, feeling his life pulse beneath me.

For the first time all day, I relax. I forget everything that’s happened, and everything yet to come, and savor this moment. I might only have a few precious hours left alive, but in Adam’s arms, I feel immortal.

20:59

20:59

The car drives itself into Aether Corporation’s underground garage and parks in Future-Adam’s spot. We jump out and slip on our backpacks, now filled with our added supplies from Aid-Mart. I have the gun with me too, even though I pray I won’t have to use it. My insides dance with nerves and anxious energy, but I’m ready. We’re actually doing something to change our future.

“Everyone knows what to do?” Chris asks.