2024-12-04 “Same Question—Different Guy” for Hannah (born 2002)

Hannah was just about to hop into the shower when her phone signaled an incoming Snap. It was from Kent.

A Kent, at least. That morning, Hannah had received a call. It was Kent, but the version that had been born in 1958 who had time-shifted back to 1880—who had that morning time-shifted to 2024 taking the place of the Kent Hannah had just started dating.

A quick check-in on the group text message revealed, according to Liza, that Shay also had shifted. Kent was able to cover for Shay’s absence and then went to the apartments for dinner. Devon and Jacob sat with him and showed him how to do Snapchat.

There came a point in the evening when Hannah and “that Kent” found themselves alone. As it had been when she had been dating Merritt and when they had shifted separately, it was hard for her to not feel like “that Kent” was the same as “her Kent.” The conversation that emerged only made it feel more so.

“You know, things in 1880 have changed lately.”

“How so?”

“Well, since that first time we time-shifted, then went back, Shay and I have been spending more time at Merritt’s house. Shay and Emma tutor Devon… Well, as they say in 1880, I’ve been calling on you. Or courting. Or something.”

“Oh? How long?”

Kent smiled. “Since early or middle November, depending on when you say it started.”

“Well, that’s interesting… because a week ago, I started dating… the you that you replaced.”

Kent seemed surprised a bit. “Interesting. So… Merritt?”

“With Emma.”

Kent nodded. “Same in 1880. It sort of happened at the same time.”

They had refrained from showing any physical affections. Hannah wasn’t sure, but she might have regretted not, at least, giving him a goodnight kiss.

She looked at his Snap on her phone: his smile and a caption. “Sleep well. Thinking of you. And I think it would be okay if you think of me, too.”

Making sure she had all of her girl parts covered or out of view, she smiled and Snapped back. “Goodnight, and I will.”