Jennifer Gulbrandsen
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Flash Fiction

Flash Fiction | Jumping Timelines

Fielding was no ordinary town. Nestled between rolling hills and a gentle river, it seemed like any other quaint American suburb. Yet, its charm concealed a peculiar secret that bound every resident – a unique superpower bestowed upon them at birth. However, there was a catch – they could only use this power once in their lifetime.

Fiona was a teenage girl who had grown up surrounded by the extraordinary in Fielding. Her friends could manipulate the elements, control minds, or even summon objects at will. Fiona, however, possessed the most enigmatic power of all – the ability to jump through timelines. It was a gift that had always intrigued her, but she had never found a reason to use it.

One fateful day, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Fiona's life took a dark turn. Walking home from the local bookstore, she was seized by an unseen force and dragged into an alley. The air thickened with tension, and Fiona's heart pounded in her chest as she found herself face to face with a masked figure – a kidnapper.

As fear gripped her, Fiona's mind raced. This was the moment she had feared but also anticipated. Her unique power could save her, but she knew that once she used it, there would be no turning back. The weight of the decision pressed upon her like a heavy cloak.

The masked figure grinned menacingly, brandishing a knife. "Your powers won't save you now, girl. You're coming with me."

In that moment, Fiona felt the surge of her ability beckoning to her, offering an escape into a different timeline. She could feel the fabric of time itself waiting for her command. The kidnapper's laughter echoed in the alley, urging Fiona to make a choice.

But Fiona hesitated. The idea of leaving her current timeline, her friends, and family behind felt like a betrayal. The moral dilemma tugged at her, torn between self-preservation and loyalty. She decided to trust her instincts and attempt to navigate her escape without using her power.

With a burst of adrenaline, Fiona kicked the knife out of the kidnapper's hand, surprising them. She sprinted down the alley, weaving through the now dark streets of Fielding. The chase was on, with Fiona's powers of agility and quick thinking pitted against the relentless pursuit of her captor.

As Fiona darted through the town, the unique powers of Fielding's residents added a surreal element to the chase. A friend with the ability to control water diverted a stream to create an impromptu barrier, slowing down the masked kidnapper. Another, with superhuman strength, lifted a car in the path, creating a makeshift blockade.

Despite the support from her friends, Fiona knew that she couldn't outrun her pursuer forever. As the chase reached its climax, she found herself at the edge of Fielding, the river shimmering under the moonlight. The options before her seemed limited – either use her powers to escape or face an uncertain fate.

With the kidnapper closing in, Fiona made a split-second decision. Channeling the power within her, she embraced the temporal currents and leaped into a different timeline. The world around her blurred, and she felt the disorienting sensation of time bending. When the world settled, Fiona found herself in a different version of Fielding.

This alternate timeline was eerily similar yet distinctly different. The familiar faces of her friends were replaced by strangers, and the town had an unfamiliar aura. Fiona realized the gravity of her choice – she had left behind her home, her loved ones, and the life she knew.

As she grappled with the consequences of her decision, Fiona received an unexpected message from a fellow resident of this timeline. They explained the intricacies of this world and offered assistance in finding her way back. Fiona's journey through different timelines became a quest to navigate the unknown and ultimately return to the Fielding she called home.

The twists and turns of Fiona's adventure showcased the diverse powers of Fielding's residents and the bonds that transcended timelines. Along the way, she encountered friends, allies, and adversaries, each with their own unique abilities. Fiona learned to harness her power more adeptly, manipulating time to solve problems and overcome obstacles.

As she traversed timelines, Fiona also discovered the existence of a clandestine organization that sought to exploit the powers of Fielding's residents. Their motives remained shrouded in mystery, but Fiona's encounters with them added a layer of suspense to her journey. Each timeline brought new challenges, forcing Fiona to adapt and grow stronger.

Eventually, after numerous trials and tribulations, Fiona found herself standing at the crossroads between her original timeline and the one she had inadvertently entered. The decision before her mirrored the one she faced in that dark alley, but now, she was armed with experience and newfound wisdom.

With a deep breath, Fiona chose to return to her original timeline. The energy currents enveloped her once again, and as the world shifted around her, she felt a sense of relief and purpose. When the world settled, she found herself back in the familiar streets of Fielding, surrounded by friends who had been searching for her.

The masked kidnapper from her initial timeline was nowhere to be seen. It seemed that her detour through alternate realities had thrown off their pursuit. Fiona's friends gathered around her, relieved and curious about her journey through time. As they exchanged stories, Fiona couldn't help but reflect on the profound lessons she had learned.

The experience of life in Fielding had shaped Fiona into a resilient and resourceful young woman. The once-in-a-lifetime rule didn't limit her; instead, it propelled her into a journey of self-discovery and growth. With the bonds of friendship and the knowledge gained from her temporal travels, Fiona faced the future with a newfound strength and the unwavering belief that her powers were not just a gift but a responsibility to protect the extraordinary town of Fielding.

Jennifer Gulbrandsen