Chapter 21
I’ve mentioned nothing of my plan till now, but when the three volunteers are in the time machine, almost ready to depart, I say, “The machine hosts four people.”
“Not this time Iris,” Arthur replies to my unspoken allusion.
“Why not?” I insist.
“Why not? Because we agreed that it wouldn’t be us to go this time. I need you here to do the monitoring with me,” Arthur tells me.
“There are things I need to know, Arthur,” I object.
“We’ll have time to go later on,” Arthur argues, but the previous assertiveness of his tone gives way to a pleading notes.
“I need to go. I’ll be back soon enough,” I state conclusively, stepping in the machine.
Arthur looks at me with a beaten expression, opening his arms in resignation.
“Please don’t give me that face. I’m not betraying you, you know?” I say, feeling guilty and yet unable to give up my decision.
“Ok,” Arthur replies, trying to disguise his anxiousness before turning around and pressing the switch.