Chapter 1: A Drive Under the Stars

As we drove home in the late hours, the radio serenaded us with a song about the concept of preserving time in a bottle. I found myself humming along, and when the chorus rang out, I sang it out loud. She glanced at me with a smile; it was a tune I had shared with her before—our song.

Once the melody faded, she turned the volume down. “Do you think there’s a moment in the future when we might not be together?”

I instinctively hovered my foot over the brakes. “Why would you even bring that up?”

“No,” she chuckled, “that’s not what I mean.”

I squinted at her in curiosity.

She elaborated, “You mentioned wanting to become someone different, with different desires. I was pondering—do our wishes evolve over time? With the multitude of choices we have, the future can never be fixed; it shifts with every decision we make.”

“Have you heard of multiverse theory?” I asked, keeping my eyes on the road. I saw her shake her head from the corner of my eye. Clearing my throat, I continued, “The theory suggests that every possibility exists at the same time. Each roll of the dice represents a simultaneous outcome. Scientists discuss this in relation to elements, dimensions, and the evolution of gravity in space and time, but I like to think that every decision we make opens up a new universe, subtly influencing our world. Each unchosen path is a path taken in another reality. Given the vastness of the cosmos, countless possibilities lead to unique universes—a multiverse.”

“You read too many comics,” she teased.

I shrugged. “They’re legitimate scientific theories, not proven, but not disproven either.”

“If we entertain the idea as true, does that imply there’s a universe where we’ve grown apart?”

“Perhaps. And many where we never even met.”

“How do you mean?”

I grinned. “Think back to our first encounter.”

“How could I possibly forget?”

“Imagine if I hadn’t left the house that day, or if you had chosen a different destination. Or perhaps a delay caused you to miss our fateful meeting. There could be countless universes like that.”

Her brow furrowed in thought. “But those are all past scenarios. Do you think there’s a timeline ahead where we’re not together?”

“Seems you’re quite determined to suggest you don’t want to be with me in the future. Are you hinting at something?”

She laughed. “No, you silly goose.”

“I’m the silly one?”

“I’m just curious.”

“Curious about what?”

“Time.”

“Time?” I pondered aloud. “Time is peculiar; it’s a dimension we traverse in just one direction. There are scientific methods to predict the future—true calculations and all. Yet, they only provide probabilities about where something might be, not an exact location or moment.”

“Oh. So, are you saying there’s a chance we might not stay together?”

“Well… based on our conversation, the odds seem quite significant.”

“Shush,” she patted my arm playfully. “Tell me, is there a possibility?”

I hesitated before answering. “There’s always a possibility. Do I desire it? No. Do you? I’m not certain anymore.”

“Of course I don’t want that.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” I inhaled deeply. “But let’s not dwell on the future; it’s irrelevant. Perhaps it doesn’t even exist. I believe we only possess the present. Right now, in this moment, we are together. Maybe someday, I’ll find a way to capture it, and we’ll eternally reside in a time called now.”

“We think we grasp time, but we really don’t. It’s akin to…”

“…knowing the weight of an object without comprehending the mechanics of gravity.”

Her eyes sparkled. “Exactly! But it’s delightful to ponder. Perhaps the chance of our present lasting forever in a bottle exists in a universe where time flows like a tranquil pool.”

“Oh, you. Now you’re speaking my language.”

We shared a laugh, and a comforting silence enveloped us. In that moment, we arrived home, and I parked the car. Looking up, I noticed the night sky teeming with stars.

She was gazing upward too, her eyes reflecting the starlight. I took her hand as we stood side by side, watching the heavens. Suddenly, a shooting star streaked across the sky.

I remarked, “There are countless events occurring in the universe, including us.” I turned to her, and she faced me. “I like to think that while many universes exist, there’s an underlying symmetry connecting them all. And if I kiss you now, somewhere else in the cosmos, two celestial bodies might collide.”

“I’d love that…” she whispered just before my lips met hers.

Akshay G. is currently engaged in a secret book project. Feedback is always welcome.

Chapter 2: The Nature of Time

Exploring the song "Time in a Bottle," this video delves into the feelings of preserving moments and the complexities of time, resonating deeply with the themes of our narrative.

In this performance of "Time In A Bottle" by Jim Croce, the poignant lyrics reflect on the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing every moment, echoing our story's essence.