I peered down the street, a strange sense of excitement rising in me. The idea of intentionally choosing a suboptimal path to my destination felt foreign. Now that I had nothing but time, exploration for the sake of it felt fresh. Enough that it drummed up a trace of anticipation in my barren heart.

I took it all in—the empty street and the lifeless houses lining it. The bright sunlight poured down from above, creating a cheerful atmosphere. It highlighted the colorful paint on the deserted houses, making them look fantastical and mysterious instead of gloomy and eerie.

I hadn't had the chance to slow down and pay attention to my surroundings before. Either I was in too much of a rush, or I had a better use for my attention—like preparing for the presentation. I groaned. No, this was vacation time, and I wouldn't spoil it with anything remotely connected to work.

It was a bit unusual that the houses were all empty at this time of day, but it wasn't the weirdest thing I've seen on this street by far. I approached the closest house. It was right next to where I usually fell at the start of the time loops. I've seen it countless times because of that, but it was the first time I truly paid attention. The front door was painted white with the house number embossed in the center—a golden number 0.

It was the first time I've seen a house numbered 0. Curious, I glanced to the left at the next house down the street. It was number 1.

I glanced to the right up the street at the next house. It was also number 1.

Huh? The postman isn’t paid enough for this. I thought in mild amusement.

On closer inspections, these houses were eerily similar, with only slight differences to differentiate between each one. On the doorsteps of house number 0 was a small pot filled with small pebbles and grit on top.

There were no plants growing in it. To my admittedly limited gardening knowledge, you put soil in pots instead of rocks...right? Maybe the soil was under it? Struck by a sudden bout of fancy, I decided to find out. I crouched down and shifted the top layer of pebbles away.

A hot lance of pain pricked the tips of my fingers. I recoiled away in surprise. "Argh!". The small rocks were unexpectedly razor sharp. What kind of rocks are these?

I watched the blood well up, then shrugged and let it bleed. It was a bit amusing that I felt more pain and surprise from this small cut than I did getting run over by the black car during my suicide spree.

I shook my head, mood souring. Losing interest in the weird pot, I continued my way down the street. Before I could take more than a few steps, I stumbled and tripped.

With smooth movements borne of practice, I took another step to stabilize myself and turned around. I had to stop myself from leaping forward for the non-existent bus doors.

I pressed a hand to my chest, feeling my heart beat wildly. Glancing down at the object that had tripped me, I found a briefcase that looked awfully familiar. I tilted my head, trying to recall where I had seen it before.

With a jolt, I realized that it was mine.

I smiled ruefully, picking up the briefcase. It had been so long since I felt the familiar weight.

Thinking back, I had abandoned the briefcase just before I started my suicide spree, considering it a hindrance.

I set the briefcase on the doorsteps of house number 0. I no longer needed it since I had no future.

My smile turned bitter and wistful. I strode away.

I strolled down the street absentmindedly, lost in thought. The echo of my footsteps was the only thing accompanying me on this deserted street. I had long since gotten used to the eerie silence and solitude. Occasionally, a car would pass by on the street to my left. Since I was going in the opposite direction, I could see them coming from far ahead. I remembered desperately trying to hitchhike in my early runs. Foolishness.

I heaved a sigh. This is boring.

Sure, walking aimlessly was surprisingly cathartic, but there was only so much I could take. It doesn't help that houses were all similar, presenting an unchanging scenery. If not for the slight changes in steepness and house numbers, I would've thought I was walking in place. It wouldn't be the weirdest thing about this street.

At some point the street had transitioned from downhill to uphill, so I was walking up the street instead of down. I glanced at my watch—it was 11:30.

Should I repeat this again next run? I do feel more relaxed, but the boredom is killing me. I need more stimulation damn it.

As if to mock my thoughts, A car passed by from behind me.

I didn't notice anything wrong at first, watching it disappear into the distance in front of me.

Then my brain caught up and I froze. The car came from... behind me? This is a one-way street though? Maybe it was just that one car going in the wrong direction?

My suicide spree had really messed my recollection of events, but I was pretty sure that I would've remembered something as memorable as a car going in the wrong direction.

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

Feeling a dreadful premonition, I jogged up the street.

Soon enough I confirmed what I dreaded finding. Across the street ahead of me were colorful balloons stuck on a horizontal awning.

My heart skipped a beat, and I staggered backwards, mouth agape.

No, maybe it's a different set of balloons. It's across the streets.

I shaded my eyes and peered closer at the street next to the balloons. Was that a bloodstain?

I had to know. Looking both ways several times despite knowing it wouldn't help, I confirmed that the street was clear and sprinted my way across.

The roar of an engine broke the silence to my left. In my peripheral vision I saw a black blur hurtling towards me.

My heart pounded frantically in my chest. It's here!

For a moment I was tempted to let it kill me, but I quickly squashed the suicidal thought. At the last second, I lunged forward, breaking my fall with a roll. The black sports car sped past behind me, spraying dust and sand on my back.

I smiled with satisfaction, brushing down my suit and finger-combing my hair. Then I remembered why I braved the danger of death to cross the street. I approached the balloons, a sinking feeling in my chest.

My heart sank all the way to the abyss when I saw the blood splatters on the balloons. I would recognize them anywhere.

Did I get turned around? No, that's impossible. I’ve only crossed the street once.

My eye darkened as I considered the implications.

If I go in the opposite direction, would I still end up going the same direction but from across the street instead?

I chuckled in dark amusement. A hamster on a wheel indeed.

I sat on the nearest doorstep and stared at the bloody balloons.

This vacation sucks.

A moment of weightlessness, then I was falling forward again. I effortlessly took a step and pivoted. I didn't bother with the bus. Countless attempts had shown that it was a hopeless endeavor.

I picked up my briefcase and set it down on the doorsteps of house number 0. After a moment of consideration, I sat down next to it. I stared blankly at empty space.

What's next? I must admit the vacation idea sort of worked. I'm calmer now. Should I do another vacation run? But I'm sick of it already.

I don't think I'm ready to tackle the time loop again though.

What to do then?

My eyes fell on the briefcase next to me. I pulled it close and unlatched the clasps. Inside was a stack of neatly organized documents. They were precious data and reports I've painstakingly gathered for my presentation.

It had seemed so important back then. A wistful smile creased my lips.

Why not? I thought. I've worked so hard for it after all.

I skimmed through the documents quickly, refreshing my memory.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, imagining the meeting room in Stratos Tower. The posh one that's only used for important occasions. The one I would've presented in.

Good afternoon directors of Stratos Inc. It is with great pleasure that... ugh skip this bit. I hate intros. Let's see...

Today, we will be discussing how Stratos could capture the minds and hearts of the next generation—the adolescents. As can be seen from diagram 1.a provided, adolescents are an important...

The tear-filled eyes of the boy with the balloons suddenly came to mind.

An important... important... ugh. What's wrong with me?

I opened my eyes and sighed. It was 11:14. Even if I started running now, I wouldn't make it in time to save the boy. It wasn't permanent anyway. Besides... what right do I have to pretend to save him now? I could never take back my decision to abandon him back then.

I closed my eyes again, trying to salvage what little happiness I could after the unpleasant reminder.

Careful product positioning is an integral part of our strategy. For example, placing our products at eye level with adolescents, and near the snacks and candies section would prove... I wonder if the boy likes candies? Ah fuck! Seriously?! If you're going to feel so guilty you shouldn't have decided to sacrifice him for your own future!

I gritted my teeth. What a joke.

Then slumped down in defeat.

I can't even daydream properly now. Fine.

I stood up, patting down the dirt from my pants.

Fine. So what if it's shameless. So what if it's only because I don't want to feel guilty. I'm going to save the boy.

I glanced down at the time then froze. Deflating like a punctured balloon, I sat back down on the sidewalk. The boy was already dead by now. I'll save him next run.

I eyed the street for a moment, tempted to summon the black car and restart. But no, I had just snapped myself out of it. I sighed, then since there was nothing else to do, went back to daydreaming.

Where was I? I forgot. Whatever. Directors, as I'm sure we're all aware, the use and purchase of our product have been in a declining in the past decades. This is why seizing the loyalty of adolescent customers is imperative for our future. If we could seize the moment and familiarize customers with our product in their teenage years, retaining their loyalty when they've reached adulthood and even crossing generation are within the realm of possibilities. Hence...

...

Perhaps because I had decided to save the boy next run, I didn't get distracted again. The presentation simulation ran so smoothly, it was a shame I couldn't do it for real. A smile formed on my lips. For a moment it made me feel like I had a piece of my old life back.

In the middle of it, I felt myself falling forward. I recovered instinctively and opened my eyes. It was 11:00 again.

I felt a hint of annoyance at the interruption, still immersed. I continued the simulation even as my body started jogging up the street, the familiar motions done without much thought.

... sponsoring activities that adolescence will enjoy, like sports, music festivals, or games, will...

I snapped out of my trancelike state, finding myself jumping for balloons next to the boy.

I blinked in confusion, looking at the dozen already in my hand. I glanced at the boy next to me.

He was watching me curiously with a hint of fear in his eyes.

I smiled sheepishly, then offered the balloons in my hand.

The boy backed away slowly, then turned and ran.

I scratched my head, watching him run.

Ah crap. I scared him, didn't I?

I looked down at the balloons in my hand again, then released them.

Mission accomplished? At least he didn't cry this time. I didn’t even remember looking at him though. I felt kinda bad for getting so immersed.

In a better mood than I've been in a long, long time, I jogged up the street after the boy.

Partly because I wanted to make sure that I didn't scare him too badly, and partly because I just wanted to keep moving.

Simulating the presentation was more useful than I thought. I thought I’d have a hard time facing the boy again, but I didn’t even notice him there.

I reached the demolition site but saw no signs of the boy. I slowed and hunched over, panting.

A prickle of unease ran through me. Something was different. I looked around. Everything was the same. The crowd was still arguing with the foreman. The building was still standing. The weather was still...

Sunny? It should've been overcast.

I gaped at the clear blue sky above me.

What did I do? The only thing I’ve done this run was revise the presentation and save the boy.

I felt like I've grasped an important hint. Hope flared up in my chest.