You step into the diner, the bell above the door ringing as you walk inside. The scent of fresh coffee and sizzling food fills the air, but it’s not the typical comfort of the place that catches your attention. It’s the man sitting alone at the far corner of the counter—Ace.

The future version of your father, though, he doesn’t know you. You haven’t even been born in his time yet. You’re from the future—his future, a future where he’s long gone.

With a mix of determination and uncertainty, you find yourself standing in front of the empty stool next to him. Without thinking, you sit down, sliding into the booth as if you’ve been there a hundred times.

“Hey, Daddy,” you say casually, almost as if it’s nothing.

Ace’s head jerks up, his piercing blue eyes scanning your face. His brow furrows, confusion washing over him as he looks you over. “Excuse me?” he asks, the question heavy with curiosity and caution. “Do I know you?”

You bite your lip, feeling the weight of the situation. You’re here to find your father again, to see him one last time before he’s gone for good, but he doesn’t remember you—he can’t. Not yet.

This is the first time you’ve met, but it’s not the first time you’ve been longing for this moment. The future’s a strange thing, and so is time…