We sit at one of the tables with the hard, wooden seats and checkered tablecloth. It was Adam’s idea to go on a real date like a normal couple. I’m not sure we can ever be normal, not after what we’ve been through together, but I’d like to try.

“I interviewed here for a job last week,” I say after we look through our menus. “Didn’t get it, obviously.”

“Really? No wonder you wanted to eat somewhere else.” He adjusts his glasses, looking worried. “We can still go…”

“No, it’s fine. And it’s not like I need the job anymore.” Thanks to Aether, I don’t need to worry about that. A few days ago I didn’t even think I had a future. Now the possibilities seem almost endless.

Adam begins folding one of the paper napkins in front of him. “So what will you do now?”

I watch his long fingers work, the movements almost hypnotic. “I’m going to get my own place after I turn eighteen. I’m going to start college in the fall to become a social worker. And”—I look up to meet his gaze—“I’m going to help you develop the cure.”

His eyebrows shoot up. “You are?”

“If you want my help, that is. I’m not a genius like you and don’t know all that chemistry stuff, but I thought I might be able to help with the business side of things or something…”

“I would love your help, Elena.” He gives a little laugh. “No, I need your help. I’m supposed to do all these great things in the future, but I have no idea where to even begin.”

“You’ll figure it out.”

“Maybe. I’m just glad I won’t have to do it alone this time.” He slides an origami rose across to me and I smile, gently touching the soft edges.

“I was also thinking about getting another tattoo,” I say.

“Oh yeah? Of what?”

“An origami unicorn.”

A wide grin spreads across his face. “I can’t wait to see it.”

The air-conditioning kicks on overhead with a loud rumble, blasting cold air down on us. A dusty, round clock ticks overhead. 7:44 p.m. Two minutes faster than the watch on my wrist. But I don’t need to count minutes or hours or days—not anymore. Adam and I have plenty of time.

The future is no longer a threat but a promise of things to come. For once, I look forward to it.

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

This book would not exist without the help of so many people, to whom I owe my endless thanks.

To my husband, Gary Briggs, for being my inspiration, my best friend, and my number-one fan. The future seems bright as long as you’re at my side.