A Timely Error

Flash fiction with the words "We'll never find it"

A man walked in. Heads turned in unison towards the blast of icy wind that served as his entry companion. A hush fell on the crowded bar. Smoke twirled around in lazy abandon. Eyes scrunched in focus to gauge the stranger.

He was a tall man, though what stood out was his attire. A thin shimmering coat; dancing with the dim lights. The coat unraveled, the weight belied its appearance.

The confusion was palpable within him as was obvious with the ferret-like looks he demonstrated.

“What will you have sir?” Ty, the barkeep’s voice sliced through the tableau.

“What is this place?” the man’s rumbled.

“Veilsjofur,” Ty responded.

“Country?” he barked.

Ty stared at the man seeking signs of sarcasm. Impassive.

“Timania,”

The effect was immediate. He became agitated.

“No..no…no..no…,” his deep voice was almost musical.

“Sir, I’m sure we can sort this out.” Ty used his special calm voice.

The man stopped shaking and gave Ty a piercing glare.

“How? You don’t even know what this is.”

A noise from the ancient door interrupted the merry exchange. This time it was a woman, matching the height of the stranger.

“Yams, so glad you are here. I thought I was the only one who made a mistake,” she said by way of introduction.

“What are you doing here?” he screamed.

“I followed you into the wormhole, you idiot.” She was less perturbed.

“We were supposed to time shift into Earth, Lucy.” He was clearly on the edge. “The window has moved. We cannot go through.”

She smiled. “So, we’re stuck here till we get bailed out.”

He realized she knew nothing.

“You don’t understand. The wormhole is closed for ever. We’ll never find it.”