Future-Adam presses the jammer into his younger self’s hands. “Take this and make sure it’s green when you don’t want to be recorded. Now go!” He shoves Adam toward the stairs and nudges Zoe forward next. Chris and Trent follow, but just before I head in after them, Future-Adam grabs my arm. “Elena, wait.”

He closes the door to the stairs, so we’re alone in the hallway. “I’m sorry, Elena. I did everything I could to protect you.”

He’s thirty years older than me, but in his eyes I see the same Adam I know and feel that same connection between us. “Thanks for not telling them about…you know. But why are you helping me?”

“You know why. Or you will soon.” He turns away, his face drawn. “It’s painful to see you, knowing I failed to save you. The guilt, after all these years…it’s still just as strong.”

“It wasn’t your fault. Aether did this. But we’re going to change it this time.”

“I don’t think you can.” His voice is rough, pained. “I’m sorry.”

“What do you mean? You said we could get evidence—”

“I’ve had thirty years to go over those twenty-four hours in the future more times than I can count, to figure out what we did wrong, what we could have done differently…but all I’ve learned is that you can’t change the future. I’ve tried, Elena. And I’ve failed.”

“Then why bring us here?” I ask, stepping away from him, my temper flaring. “Why help us at all?”

“I had to do something. I just don’t know…” His voice trails off. “There might be one more thing. But no—” He stops and shakes his head. “I already know you won’t listen.”

“I’m listening!” I practically yell at him. We have to be able to change the future. We have to. “What is it?”

“You need to trust me. Not me now, but…past me. Current me for you. Trust that Adam when the time comes. He’s a good guy. Sort of an idiot sometimes, but he just wants to do the right thing. And…he likes you a lot.”

Something flickers inside my chest. I don’t know what to say to that. I had some idea that Adam liked me, although it’s something else to hear his future self say it out loud. But I don’t know if I can trust him. I want to, but I have so many questions, so many doubts. My instincts always tell me to trust no one but myself, but maybe this time they’re wrong.

“What about the origami unicorn?” I ask. “Why’d you leave it for me?”

“Ah yes. I knew you’d find it. Open it when you’re at my house, when you’re alone and somewhere safe.”