"Roy, wake up! It's time to go on our first run of 2024. Let's not break our resolutions on the first day."
Roy rolled out of bed, landing on his feet. "Not again!"
Nora raised an eyebrow. "That is what you told me I always say, isn't it?"
He sat on the edge of the bed. "Oh, thank goodness. For a moment I thought I would have to try again. And I really want us in this together, Honey."
She nodded solemnly, then laughed. "At first I actually believed you, but I've got you figured out! You just want the day off from our resolutions."
Roy frowned, and cocked his head.
Nora roared with laughter. "I was joking! Don't you remember my promise last night?"
He blinked. "Oh yeah, this is my day! Can we start by having pancakes and syrup for breakfast? With a side of bacon, I don't remember the last time I've had bacon!"
She nodded. "I bought all your favorites yesterday, but they're gone. I'll have to take a quick trip to the store while you shower."
As he sat enjoying his meal, Nora watched him thoughtfully. "Do you really think we've stopped aging, Roy? If so, just think about how much your knowledge will increase. I wonder if we are affecting things outside of the time loop?"
He licked a bit of syrup from his fork, and shrugged. "We'll have to wait and see if we've stopped aging, I thought I had the first time. This is completely new territory. I don't even fully understand how our situation is possible."
She nodded. "Just trying to grasp the basics feels like mental gymnastics."
He ran his hands through his hair. "It blows me away too. As for affecting things outside of our time loop, you are a genius! This could be our ticket out of here, if we decide we want out, of course. There are worse things than being in 2024 forever with you - and this delicious breakfast!"
Nora smiled. "I could get used to it, for sure. I wouldn't want to risk beginning to age again, if we have indeed stopped."
He grinned. "I was hoping you'd say that! I'll keep up with my research, but I won't take any chances."
She frowned. "Why shouldn't we just enjoy ourselves, maybe see the world? Our combined savings should be enough to book some really nice places if we're careful. And our bank accounts will just reset in a year, so this could go on indefinitely."
Roy scraped his plate one more time, then got up. "We can do that this time, I've been wanting to take you on an extended honeymoon for so long. But I can't promise to always do it, I can't imagine my life without learning. And we don't know for sure if we've stopped aging yet."
She nodded. "And to thank you, I'll even let you sample some French pastry in Paris. After we take the stairs to the top of the Eiffel Tower..."
Roy laughed. "I love you - health kick and all!"
Nora yawned, stretching without getting up. "Happy 100th 2024, Roy. I'm going to the store soon for some proper groceries, is there anything you would like?"
Roy grabbed her hand, and squeezed it gently. "How about some fresh blueberries, bananas, pineapple, and apples? I think I'd like a smoothie for breakfast. Oh, and maybe some of that premium granola trail mix for our hike?"
Nora chuckled. "Remind me why I ever got you into fitness?"
He chuckled. "Well, before I was able to adjust the gLoF so our bodies also reset every year, you were afraid we wouldn't have enough time. Afterwards, I think it was just to torture me."
She sighed. "And then I realized it just wasn't necessary, but by then you'd started to enjoy physical activity! Don't get me wrong, I do love our hikes and other adventures, but sometimes I think you take it too far. Especially the more risky ones. And really, there's no reason for those morning runs either."
Roy nodded. "No more risks, those were just things I'd always dreamed of. What we would have called bucket list memories. Ever since I was a kid I'd wanted to go on expeditions, and the gLoF gave me the chance to experience every single one I'd ever read about!
She smiled. "And I had an incredible time with you. There were just a few moments where I was afraid for you. I don't think I could bear living forever without you."
He hugged her. "I felt the same way when you decided to be a circus acrobat. I loved being there to catch you, but sometimes I woke up at night thinking what if..."
She cleared her throat. "Right, so no more risks or morning runs."
He laughed and pounced on her, smothering her with kisses. "The morning runs are still on, you did make them a resolution after all! And I've come to like them."
She groaned. "Fair enough, but I don't want to do them too often!"
"Happy 1000th 2024, Roy. I wonder if our experiment to bring our research along worked, shall we check together? Trying to memorize as much as possible every year is tiresome."
The couple walked hand in hand towards the computer room. Nora inserted a thumb drive, and opened a folder. "YES!!! We did it, no more trying to remember everything."
Roy hugged her. "You're a brilliant scientist, Honey. I'm so proud of you."
She grinned. "We both did it. And I wouldn't know a proton from an electron without you."
He smiled. "Do you think we'll ever want to test these theories? I mean, I'm really happy with things just the way they are. I can't imagine anything better."
Nora shrugged. "I don't know. Right now, I'd say no. But look at how much we've changed since our first 2024. Whatever we decide, we will decide together."
Roy nodded. "Meanwhile we will just keep on enjoying life, and learning more about just how incredible this universe really is."
"Happy 10000th 2024, Nora. What would you like for breakfast today?"
Nora yawned. I think I'll just have a cup of cocoa. What are you having?"
He stretched, then rubbed his eyes. "I'm having a burger and fries. Hey, why is it still dark?"
Nora opened her eyes. "It is. I guess we got up early."
She reached out her hand. "Where's my lamp?"
Roy got up. "The floor feels different too. I don't think we're at home."
Slowly overhead lights began to glow, revealing a brightly colored room with strange but pleasant furnishings.
"Nora's eyes widened. "Roy, what's happening?"
A second later the wall slid open silently, and a humanoid being stepped into the room. "I'm really sorry you were startled, we did our best to make you comfortable."
Roy stepped between the stranger and his wife. "Who are you? And where have you taken us?"
To be continued
Cover image made in Canva Pro using their gallery
