Editing The Unfinished Dissertation (section)

==Beyond the Time Flow==

“I almost died today. Perhaps “died” is not the word for it. It was something worse than death. I was overcome with the feeling of helplessness and despair, of being unable to do anything about the Break. I was so consumed with trying to figure out how to mend the Break that either I wore myself out or... perhaps instinctively pushed myself out of the Pause for my own protection.

“Either way, I am sure that I cannot sufficiently express my gratitude to you for pulling me back into the Pause. It was like I was locked out and you had the key, Joseph. I don't know what would have happened to me if you have not done so. Would I have been locked out of Time Flow forever? I cannot imagine what would happen to me if that were the case, especially when only being out of the Pause for but only a little while caused so much trouble for me.

“This will be my last email to you, Joseph. Tomorrow I head back to Los Angeles to further examine the remains I studied here. I also do not want to put you in any more danger, as it is starting to seem that the Pauses are following me. You have learned much and defended your city well in our Pauses. I can trust that you can handle yourself well. As for me... I need to find the answer once and for all. Even if that means I end up being locked out for good.

“That is what I will call it. Lock-Out.”

Dr. Marilyn Wilkins
Email to Joseph Marks
January 20, 2013

''(Credits: [[JSCervini]])''

* Back to [[Stories in Pause]]