As Melissa walked up the stone staircase to Collin's house, she stopped for a moment, and finally started processing the unbelievable: she had time-traveled! A rush of excitement washed over her.

“Mister Collin, thank you for taking me in and offering your help. I was in shock before, and I’m only just now accepting it. You’ve been so kind, and I haven’t even properly said thank you,” Melissa said.

Collin smiled, glancing down, a faint blush rising on his cheeks. “You needn’t thank me, Miss, nor apologize. Were I in your position, I confess I would likely be in a state of considerable distress—perhaps even reduced to tears, or, heaven forbid, lying perished in some ditch. It is truly an honour to be of service.” He paused, lowering his voice slightly. “Mrs. Wilson, my housekeeper, is inside. I think it best we keep this…matter between ourselves. Not that I’m forbidding you to speak of it, but in 1825, such things are not always…understood. Some might not believe you, you see.”

“No, I completely agree. And trust me, even in the future, people don’t really get time travel—though apparently it does happen,” Melissa chuckled, adding, “Let’s tell your housekeeper I’m an old friend, Melissa, who arrived unannounced. Maybe we should make up a fake last name for me. Mine is very complicated and long, also no one will be able to pronounce it. The last thing I want is more questions.”

“Might it be easier to present you as being from America? Do you have a preference for a particular family name?” Collin smirked.

Melissa pondered for a moment. “How about Melissa Bennet? Like Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. Or is that too much—too on the nose?”

“I’m not sure I’ve come across that book. Still, I rather like the name. For the duration of your stay, then, shall we refer to you as Missy Bennet?” Collin said before opening the door.

Melissa looked dissatisfied. “Missy? No, I’m…” She trailed off as the housekeeper appeared before them.

“Sir, bless me, a visitor! Pray, enter!” Mrs. Wilson smiled, gesturing them inside.

Melissa was immediately struck by the house’s interior. Bookshelves stretched as far as the eye could see, a huge baroque couch of wood and white velvet and large exotic plants dominated the room. As Melissa looked around, Mrs. Wilson asked, “I am Mr. Harrington’s housekeeper, Trudy Wilson. May I inquire as to your name, madam?” She smiled at Melissa.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs. Wilson. I’m…” Melissa began before Collin interrupted.

“Missy Bennet is a friend of long standing, from whom I have been unfortunately parted for what seems like centuries. She shall be residing here indefinitely, and I trust you will make her feel most welcome. Her home, you see, is now my home, and thus, hers as well,” Collin said, winking at Melissa.

“Madam Bennet, may I inquire whence you have traveled to visit Mr. Harrington?” Mrs. Wilson asked, intrigued.

Before Melissa could answer, Collin interjected, explaining that she had come from America and they had much to discuss, dismissing Mrs. Wilson for the day. She nodded, smiled at Melissa, and wished them a pleasant evening before departing. Meanwhile, Collin and Melissa went upstairs.

“Why did you call me Missy? My name is Melissa, you know,” she said, following Collin.

“‘Melissa’ is a fine name, to be sure, but a trifle…uncommon. I daresay ‘Missy’ would serve just as well and save you from endless explanations,” he said, looking down at her from top of the stairs.

“You’re getting too comfortable too quickly. No one ever gives me nicknames; I even make my own parents use my full name,” Melissa said, squinting and making a dissatisfied face, though with a smile still on her lips.

Collin stepped back slightly, looking directly at Melissa. “My most sincere apologies, Miss. I found our conversation so…pleasant that I fear I allowed my familiarity to outstrip my manners.”

Melissa, seeing genuine sadness in Collin’s expression, relented. “You know what? I’ll make an exception. Call me Missy, or whatever you want. I’m under a false identity here anyway, so who cares? And no need to call me ‘Miss’ anymore; let’s ditch the formalities.”

A smile returned to Collin’s face. “I am truly honoured by your allowing me such a familiarity. Thank you most kindly. I fear I have already put my foot in it, having presented you to Mrs. Wilson as ‘Missy.’ The damage, I fear, is done. I beg your pardon.”

“It’s quite alright. Considering my present circumstances, a silly nickname is the least of my concerns,” Melissa said as she reached the top of the stairs and entered the second-floor sitting room.

Like the downstairs, the room was lined with bookshelves filled to the brim. Two peach-coloured couches faced each other across a small marble table. As Collin walked toward the window, a large blue-and-gold macaw landed on his forearm.

“Missy, I would like you to meet a very dear friend of mine, Mr. Blue Choo. A most affable fellow, and, much like yourself, he insists upon being addressed by his full name. I am quite serious; he will not respond to anything less.” Collin said, extending his arm to display the magnificent bird.

“Hello there. It’s lovely to meet you, Mr. Blue Choo. I hope we become friends; you look very cool,” she said, gently touching the macaw’s silky head.

As the macaw began repeating “Hello” in various tones, Collin added, “He appears to have formed a most favourable opinion of you. One might even say he prefers your company to mine. I shall leave you in his capable hands while I deal with your belongings. I must beg your pardon for the lack of a spare room; you see, I've rather turned the place into a library. You will be staying in my room upstairs” he said, gesturing toward a small room on the left.

As Collin went downstairs, Melissa explored the library. A book lover herself, though with a preference for films, she felt as if she had stepped into one. It was still difficult to fully grasp the reality of her situation, even knowing it was real. A few moments later, Collin returned with a glittery denim backpack and a small designer handbag.

“There should also be a small, black suitcase with four little wheels. I have all my clothing and shoes in there,” Melissa said.

“I do believe these are all the belongings you had with you when we met. There was no black suitcase, I’m quite certain,” Collin said apologetically.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. I must have left it in the woods. I guess it’s not as if I can wear trainers here, but a new pair of socks would be wonderful,” Melissa sighed.

“I shall provide you with fresh towels and clothing as needed. As I said before, my home is now your home, and if there is anything you require, I shall gladly procure it,” Collin offered.

“Well, let’s hope this is only for one night, so I won’t need much more than I have now. Let’s be strategic about tomorrow. Do you have a notebook and pencil I can use?” Melissa paused, then exclaimed, “Wait—no, just a notebook, because, lo and behold…” She theatrically produced a ballpoint pen from her handbag.

Collin picked it up, testing it on a piece of paper. A look of genuine fascination spread across his face.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“I showed you my phone—that square object that lit up when I touched it—but you seem much more impressed by this,” she said with a smirk.

“Good heavens, this is extraordinary! One need not be a seer to recognize its brilliance; even a troglodyte could appreciate its genius! Pray, tell me, do you have more of these…things?” Collin asked eagerly.

“No, but you can keep it; it’s a gift. I’m sure you can figure out how to refill it with ink once it runs out. I can show you more inventions from the future later, but now we need to focus on a concrete plan for tomorrow.”

“I am quite certain of the spot where we met, and I can easily return us there. But I must admit, I have no notion of what this…gateway of yours looks like. Could you give me some description of it?” Collin inquired, his expression serious.

“Let me think,” Melissa began. “I watched a play, we went downstairs, I opened a door, and sat on a bench. It must have still been 2025 because I had internet and cell reception. Never mind that last bit; all you need to know is that it was definitely 2025 when I sat in that theater garden.” She paused, then, with dawning realization, added, “I went inside this maze in the middle of the garden, and when I came out, the grass was overgrown, a massive gate protecting the theater had appeared, and you were there in the woods.”

“That must be it, then. We need to get you back to that maze, and if you enter it from the same side you exited, reaching the other end should return you home,” Collin speculated.

“Well, not exactly ‘home,’ but hopefully 2025. I can even walk from there, as long as it’s the right year. How large are these woods, though?” Melissa wondered.

“They are quite vast, and even those who know them well can become lost. You are fortunate; I have hunted there many times and know every inch as well as the back of my hand.”

“Great. As long as you take us near the theater and that large gate, you should find the maze easily,” Melissa said with a smile.

“I must admit, I am more familiar with the woods themselves than with the theater’s immediate vicinity. Still, I have glimpsed the maze on occasion. I trust we shall have little difficulty locating it.” Collin reassured her.

“Sounds good. So, the plan is that you know the location and can find it for me. Perfect—lucky me,” she smiled and exhaled deeply.

“Might I inquire if you have any appetite? I cannot claim Mrs. Wilson’s skill, but I can manage to prepare something…acceptable,” Collin asked.

“Sure. How often does one get to try authentic 1800s cuisine? Can I join you?”

Collin nodded and led her downstairs to the kitchen. He prepared a platter of cheese, crackers, meats, figs, and bread. They chatted idly until Melissa asked, “How can a hunter afford all of this? What do you hunt—gold bars?”

Collin paused, then spoke softly. “I have no knowledge of what the world will be in two centuries, but I can assure you that in 1825, we are plagued by…a most unsettling problem with the undead. Their connection to baronial families grants them a disturbing level of protection, allowing them to commit their atrocities with little fear of reprisal. Those very woods where I found you yesterday are often the scene of their…wicked deeds. I have felt compelled to hunt these creatures, placing myself in considerable danger, as I know the authorities will never acknowledge the truth. I was left with no other choice but to assume this responsibility myself.” He tried to maintain his composure, but frustration was evident in his demeanor.

“What do you mean, ‘undead’? I’m lost,” Melissa said, shaking her head.

“I allude to those who…draw sustenance from the blood of the living. They would have you believe they consume only animal blood—and they are quite insistent on this point—but it is common knowledge that this is merely a pretense,” Collin clarified, lowering his head in frustration. Unruly brown curls fell over his eyes as he sighed.

“Okay, now I’m really lost. Those who drink blood? We don’t have such creatures in the future—maybe bats or mosquitoes, but nothing that lurks in the forest wanting to drink human blood. It sounds like you’re describing a vampire,” Melissa said, thoroughly confused.

“Indeed, that is a common appellation for them. I must inquire: did they…persist into your time? Pray tell me their lineage has been extinguished, that they no longer inflict their depredations upon the innocent, the vulnerable, and the poor,” Collin asked hopefully.

“No, vampires don’t exist. It’s a myth—not real, never was. Not in my time, not in the past,” she said firmly.

“I must, with the utmost respect, disagree. These…beings are as real as you or I. It is possible, of course, that in the future their influence has waned, and the historical record has been…altered by those of influence to obscure their existence,” Collin countered.

“I highly doubt that, but let’s agree to disagree,” Melissa said with a small, forced smile.

“Very well. I truly hope you leave before you come across those…devils who pretend to be human. I have never understood how human women bear their children. As the women of the undead are barren, it seems clear, then, that the eradication of all undead males would indeed signify the end of their kind.” Collin adds the last remark.

Melissa changed the subject, and they finally ate. As Collin cleaned up, Melissa reflected that while her host was kind and sweet, he was also a bit mad. Perhaps it was his books or the era he lived in that made him believe such nonsense about vampires.

A new thought struck her: how could a man with so many books, a man who claimed to practically live in his library, not know Pride and Prejudice? Jane Austen must have been famous by then. Curiosity getting the better of her, she asked, “Collin, how can such a well-read man as yourself not know Jane Austen’s works? Are you not fond of female writers?”

“On the contrary, I hold quite the opposite view. I believe they possess equal, if not superior, capacity for producing works of great merit—quite as much as any self-absorbed, follicularly challenged gentleman—and, indeed, as much as I myself could ever hope to achieve,” he said with a broad smile.

“Then how can you not know her most famous book? Though, I’m no literary expert myself, so maybe she’s not famous yet. How about Mary Shelley? Do you know any of her works?” Melissa pressed, a growing suspicion nagging at her.

“Indeed! I am most familiar with The Monster and her other works. I am delighted to hear she continues to be recognized in your time!”

“You mean Frankenstein’s monster? But the book is just called Frankenstein,” Melissa said, confused.

“No, that is not the case. Here, let me show you the book.” Collin stood and began searching. “Ah, here it is. See—The Monster,” he said, handing her the book.

Melissa’s mouth dropped open, horror dawning on her face. “Collin, show me a map of the world,” she said, covering her mouth with her hands.

He fetched a map, and they both looked at it. There it was: a landmass in the Pacific Ocean that shouldn’t exist. She continued questioning Collin about literature and world events, confirming her growing dread.

“Is anything amiss?” Collin finally asked.

“I didn’t just time travel. This isn’t the Earth I know. This is a world in a goddamn multiverse! As if time travel wasn’t crazy enough, I somehow managed interdimensional travel. Great. Just great,” Melissa said, sinking limply onto the couch.

“I am not entirely acquainted with the terms you use, but I believe I grasp your meaning. You have not simply journeyed through time, but rather exist beyond time and the confines of our world. You are, to all appearances, unrelated to anything in this place. I offer my sincere apologies for your present circumstance, but I have every confidence that you will be returned to your own time on the morrow,” Collin promised.

She sat up, rubbing her temples and yelled “Oh, fuuu…”

An hour later, Melissa lay in Collin’s bed while he slept on the couch. He saw light peeking through the crack under the door and stood up, unable to sleep. He approached the door, placing his forehead against it, and said softly, “Do you, likewise, find it difficult to rest? I certainly find myself in that predicament.”

Melissa got up from the bed and sat by the door. “This is crazy—absolutely bonkers. You have vampires, an extra continent, and who knows what else. How am I supposed to sleep?” She paused, then whispered, “Why are you so good to me? You don’t even know me. Maybe I don’t deserve your help.”

Collin smiled and sat down on the floor on the other side of the door. “You are, in my considered opinion, the most remarkable personage to have ever walked this planet. There is none who can compare to you, nor has there ever been, nor shall there ever be in the ages to come. I ask you, then, how could I possibly refuse to assist you?”

“From the most ordinary to the only one, ever. Insanity,” Melissa laughed.

“I must also observe that your conversation is most diverting, and I confess, your countenance is…most pleasing to behold. Good night to you,” Collin said, returning to the couch.

Melissa blushed, but quickly dismissed the feeling. There was no time for such distractions, especially from a man she would likely never see again. She blew out the candle, slid under the silk sheets, and finally drifted off to sleep.