The way Al's oddness gets planted so early — the eerie knowledge of Einstein's work, the Dorothy Parker book two years before publication, the strangely specific song that turns out to be a homing signal — makes the reveal feel earned rather than sudden. But what really lands is Molly's own arc underneath the sci-fi mechanics: an abandoned girl who reinvents herself as "Fierce Molly," finding a family that never once questions her right to exist in it, only to have to prove herself worthy of following them into the impossible. "Budge over, beanpole" as her first line stepping through time is perfect — all that emotional weight and she still shows up sounding exactly like herself.
Since this is the second chapter of a serial, a reader who started at the beginning would already know that Al was a time-traveler. It isn’t so obvious in the first chapter how strange Al is.
Ok first puzzle took its place Molly ( or I think) interesting story !
Always a pleasure to see a reader read the story from the beginnning!
The way Al's oddness gets planted so early — the eerie knowledge of Einstein's work, the Dorothy Parker book two years before publication, the strangely specific song that turns out to be a homing signal — makes the reveal feel earned rather than sudden. But what really lands is Molly's own arc underneath the sci-fi mechanics: an abandoned girl who reinvents herself as "Fierce Molly," finding a family that never once questions her right to exist in it, only to have to prove herself worthy of following them into the impossible. "Budge over, beanpole" as her first line stepping through time is perfect — all that emotional weight and she still shows up sounding exactly like herself.
Thank you!
Since this is the second chapter of a serial, a reader who started at the beginning would already know that Al was a time-traveler. It isn’t so obvious in the first chapter how strange Al is.
Okay, with food on fire in my kitchen, I read this. And it's too interesting I have to come back when I really can.
I have to relax to get this in.
By all means!
Put out any fires raging in your home, then come back to the story.
very beautifully written piece
Thank you.
Ohhh!!! Molly’s POV! I seeeee, so since Al already had a plan to bring Molly to the same time then he wasn’t worried about Ellie being upset so much
Love this! 💯
I’m very glad that they gave her a home, and the end with her stepping through the wall that was no longer there was great! 🚪
Thanks. Glad you liked it!
"Budge over, beanpole." You make the phrase yours and everytime it is spoken, something twist. Love it. <3