The warm sunlight covered my back like a comforting blanket as I sprawled bonelessly on the sidewalk. I didn't feel like getting back up. My limbs twitched every now and then, as if they still remember being burned to a crisp.

I have such rotten luck. It was all going so well too.

No, I couldn’t blame luck. It was my own overconfidence that caused this. I thought myself invincible. After all, hadn't I already died once? What could stop me?

The painless nature of my first death had led me astray. In a sense, I wasn't mistaken. I had come back after burning to death this time. I was unscathed physically. Mentally though... I had a sinking feeling that dreams of burning to death will be visiting my nights from today onwards.

I paused for a moment. Do I still have a today onwards? What if I'm stuck here? What if the hour just repeats infinitely?

I would never have to face the consequences of my actions. But nothing I do would be of any consequence either. The boy I saved last run would still die this time.

The thought jolted me up to my knees. I checked the time—it was 11:07. From my estimation, the boy would die at 11:16. I stood up, smoothed my suit, finger-combed my hair, and picked up my briefcase. It was time to face the world again. At the very least, I didn't want the boy's death on my conscience.

As I jogged up the street, I mulled over the past three runs. I had only wanted to reach the Stratos Tower before noon. A simple, straightforward goal.

Was that too much to ask for? How did that end up with me burning to death? What have I done to deserve this?

I scoffed to myself. Who am I kidding? If hell really exists, then that's where I was heading when I die. Let's not brood. Happy thoughts, happy thoughts.

I breathed in and out at a measured pace, expelling gloomy thoughts with each exhale. The movements of jogging up a hill were liberating. I should've picked up jogging sooner. I had always valued movement over stagnation. How ironic it was then, to be stuck repeating the same hour repeatedly.

Soon I saw the boy in the distance ahead. A wave of discouragement washed over me. Nothing had changed. It all seemed pointless. Even if I prevented him from dying this run, I would need to do it again on the next run. On the other hand, even if I didn't save him, he’d still be fine next run. Why bother?

I slowed to a stop next to the boy and leaped for the yellow balloon. I offered it to the boy absentmindedly, knowing it would be refused.

It wasn’t just the boy. Even if I did manage to reach Stratos Tower before noon, wouldn't time just revert to 11:00?

I need to figure this out. Let's review. What's happening? The hour repeats to 11:00 every time I die, or an hour has passed.

As I expected, the boy ignored the yellow balloon in my hand, attention focused on the balloon above. I grabbed the next balloon and offered it.

How and why is it happening? I have no idea. Is it only happening on this street? I'll have to check that next run. Why am I the only one who remembers? I have no idea.

The boy ignored the balloon. I jumped for the next one and offered it to the boy.

Haha fuck. I know nothing then. Is it too egotistical of me to think it was because I didn't make it to the tower in time?

Rejected. Jumped for another balloon and offered it to the boy.

It's worth checking at least. Since I’m the only one who’s aware of the time loop, it’s logical that it has something to do with me, right? I'll try and make it to the tower and see if that stops it.

Rejected. I was to jump for the next balloon when a thought struck me.

This is taking too long. Is this really the best use of my time? Since I can repeat this hour endlessly, I have an infinite amount of time now. But the windows of opportunity are still limited.

The sensation of burning to death knocked on my heart like an unwelcome guest. I trembled.

I must figure out this time loop, not play hero. Which means I should leave now.

I looked at the four rejected balloons in my hand, biting my lips. Their strings tugged at my hand, as if urging me to let go. I did, watching as they floated up to join the rest.

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I don't care anymore. No matter what happens, I will cross the river and reach the tower this time.

I sighed, then knelt in front of the boy and looked him in the eyes. I was about to place both hands on the boy's shoulders, but stopped myself, letting them fall back down. "Listen, kid. This is for your own good.”

I made my voice as stern as possible. “Don't jump after the balloons anymore. Listen to me. Please. You'll get hurt. You'll fall, and a big scary bus will come and run you over. Do you understand?"

The boy nodded.

I smiled. "Good. You won't jump anymore?"

The boy shook his head.

"Wait, does that mean no, you won't jump anymore, or no, you'll jump anyways?"

The boy nodded.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and refrained from cursing out loud. "I'm serious. This is serious. You'll die if you jump. Do you understand?"

The boy nodded.

"Good. Good. Take care kid."

I decisively turned and left without another word. I recognized that look in his eyes. The boy would start jumping soon.

I hardened my heart. I had tried my best to dissuade him, and I couldn't just stay next to him for half an hour. Even if the boy died because of this, it wouldn't matter since he'd still be fine in the next run anyway.

The boy's heartbroken expression crossed my mind.

Yes, helping the boy will just make him sad.

A sad, rueful smile tugged the corners of my lips. I hate myself.

I jogged up the street at a steady pace, leaving the boy behind. As I got further and further away, the sunlight began to dim. The wind picked up, turning stiff and cold. The lack of sunlight leeched world of colors. It was a gradual and subtle change I had been too preoccupied to notice the last three times.

The street grew flatter, indicating I was near the demolition site. I recalled the resounding scream that rang out as the building was demolished in my very first run.

I don’t care. Just leave it.

Nothing I did now would matter anyway.

I slowed to a stop next to the foreman. I needed to catch my breath.

“Afternoon sir. Are you sure the building’s empty?” I said.

Before the foreman could reply, a man jumped out of the crowd nearby. “None of your business mister! Move along! Is seeing our home destroyed funny to you?”

I paused. Huh? Shouldn't they be glad for any delays to the demolition? Something's not right here. Whatever, it's true that it's none of my business.

I left them to it and jogged downhill, slowing down as I passed the border to the rainy section of the street. Now that I thought about it, these abrupt weather changes might provide clues to the nature of the time loop. I’ll examine them when I have the time.

Once I reached the end of the street, I turned the corner to the left path without slowing down, slipping slightly on the slippery sidewalk. I looked up at the sky ahead. There was no smoke yet. My heart lifted and my stride lengthened. I broke into a run, knowing the whole street would be on fire soon. I didn't relish the promise of burning to death again. Once is more than enough.

Soon, I ran past the spot I died on in the last run. I shuddered and broke into a sprint. It was only when I passed the section that was blocked by flaming debris in the last run that I allowed myself to slow down to a walk. I smiled in relief.

I should be safe even if the fire breaks out now.

Ahead of me, I saw a small turn to the right towards the river. My smile widened.

This is promising. I would need to cross the street though. Damn, I should've crossed earlier. It's too late to run back to the footbridge now.

I decided to risk it. The worst thing that could happen was getting run over. Been there, done that. It was infinitely better than burning to death. I sprinted across the street, heart hammering in my chest.

An engine roared to my right. I dove down to the sidewalk ahead of me. A blur of black sped past behind me, the wind of its passing causing my suit to billow. I glanced back at it with a smirk. It was the black sports car. I could avoid it after all.

It seemed the black car would arrive to run me down anytime I stepped on the street, the same way the school bus would come for the boy. They might provide clues to the time loop too. I noted it down and continued on my way.

The side path heading towards the river split the left path further in half, making it a one lane street. The paved stone beneath my feet abruptly ended, replaced with a gravel path. The gravel crunched beneath my feet as I walked to the banks of the river.

The river was a blue so dark it was almost black. It was opaque and flowed so slowly, for a moment I thought it was solid ground.

Nearby, I spotted a wooden rowboat, barely more than a raft. I broke into a wide grin at the sight. Without hesitation, I threw my briefcase in and pushed the raft to the river, straining hard against the gravel.

I really hope this raft won't sink. Surely fate is not that cruel.

The raft didn't sink. With an exultant yell, I jumped on board and pushed away from the banks with both oars.

My arms strained awkwardly against the oars. The raft rotated around in a lazy circle. Somehow, I had managed to make the boat face where I had originally pushed off. Fortunately, the initial push off the riverbank had created enough momentum that the raft was still moving towards the opposite shore.

I tried to reassert control over the raft, rowing on only one side to turn it in the right direction. After a long and sweaty struggle where I collected a not insignificant amount of splinters, I finally pointed the raft in the right direction.

Tentatively, I tried rowing. I made sure to use an equal amount of strength this time, and the raft crookedly floated towards the opposite shore.

I was making progress. I smiled, lost in the challenge of rowing. It was like jogging all over again. Although it was awkward and tiring at first, I was confident I would quickly improve. The first step was always the hardest, and I’ve taken many such first steps throughout my life. This would just be another first step.

A resonant Ding! echoed across the silent river. I startled at the sound, looking around in wariness. A burst of recognition ran through me. I hurriedly fumbled at my right pants pocket and took out my phone. The notification light flickered on and off like the light of hope in my chest. With trembling fingers, I unlocked my phone.

I have just received an email.