Chapter 5

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Chapter 5: The Photograph

It was time.

Elias brought the photograph—the one from the box in the attic. This photograph was taken in 2025, although he never remembered posing for it.

He handed it to Ella beneath the golden light of the café.

She stared.

“That’s me,” she whispered. “But I don’t remember this photo. And… is that you?”

Elias only nodded.

Her fingers traced the edge of the image, and then she looked up, eyes glazed like glass under strain.

“I’ve had dreams of this. Of being watched, of this coat. Of you.”

He could feel it—her memories fighting to the surface. But time is not kind when questioned too deeply. She pressed her palms to her temples.

“Why do I feel like I’ve lost something I never had?”

Elias gently placed his hand over hers.

“Because time doesn't forget. Not when love is written into its gears.”

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