As he descended, he watched a pair of turkey vultures dip and bank over the tree canopy, the invisible vectors on which they drifted only known to them and known in their blood for eons. He considered what he now knew in his blood, thoseunsettling truths he’d carry with him into an unknown future, and probably to his grave.

But there was never simply a moment longer, was there? Time was the silent killer that devoured all. It felt no sympathy as it ate the hours, minutes, and seconds. Then, it moved onto your dreams, hopes, and desires.

For he thought if he could still feel love after all he’d been through in his own life, even after a day like today, then maybe he could channel it into her. Because if he did, then maybe he could change the future—her future.