Before Thalia could delve into a whirlwind of questions, Ava, their robot host, took center stage within the traveler's RV. "Welcome to the traveler's RV! I hope it will meet all of your needs. We have nutritious packets of food that fully cook in the microwave. We also have food available for normal cooking. I highly recommend the spaghetti and meatballs."
Thalia, not one to beat around the bush, cut straight to the heart of the matter. "What time are you from?"
Ava's response was as intriguing as it was perplexing. "I am from the year 2060, I was created by the traveler's agency. The traveler's agency is the one providing food and shelter for you during your travels."
"Traveler's agency?" Thalia probed further.
"The mission of the traveler's agency is to keep the timeline in order. Since it was invented a few years ago we've had some mishaps," Ava explained.
Yet, Thalia's mind was awash with queries, questions, and doubts. Her intuition gnawed at her, suggesting that there was more to this seemingly generous robot from 2060 than met the eye. What could possibly motivate such hospitality towards a band of strangers?
Jason sensed her unease, "You alright?"
Thalia sighed, the weight of her confusion settling heavily upon her. "Not really. This is just overwhelming."
Jason, ever the optimist, turned his gaze to the RV's surroundings, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "It is overwhelming, but I'm sure we'll get home soon. For now, let's just try to enjoy the '80s. I've always wanted to visit the time of tacky clothes and questionable hairdos. We might as well have some fun while we're here."
Thalia, though still harboring her concerns, couldn't help but find a glimmer of hope in Jason's words. "Yeah, I suppose you're right. Let's get some rest, though; I'm still exhausted."
Night descended, casting its shroud over the RV. Thalia, clad in her silver pajamas, lay on her bunk bed and stared at the metallic ceiling. Sleep eluded her, and the loud snores of her companions only added to her restlessness. Tiredness clawed at her, eventually pulling her into the embrace of a fitful slumber. In the realm of dreams, Thalia found herself on a desolate beach. She wore a flowing white nightgown that billowed around her ankles. The night was chilling, the sea dark, and the waves thundered against jagged rocks. Fear gnawed at her as she cried out for help.Amidst her despair, a haunting voice reverberated through the desolation.
"You can't save them. Your selfishness will take everything from you."
It was a voice devoid of form, leaving Thalia to question its origin and intent. Before she could glean any answers, the sands beneath her feet turned treacherous, yanking her downward. Panic coursed through her as the sand crushed her chest, and water encroached upon her like an inexorable tide. She was ensnared in suffocating mud, her struggles futile, and her pleas silenced. Gasping for breath, Thalia awoke, her heart pounding in her chest, and her silver pajamas drenched in sweat. The fear of losing her loved ones lingered in her thoughts as she wept quietly, yearning for the solace of a dreamless sleep.
Morning broke, but Thalia couldn't shake the lingering unease of her nightmare. Lost in thought, she was interrupted by the vivacious presence of Aaliyah, who embodied the '80s spirit with her vibrant outfit-a purple jacket adorned with oversized shoulder pads, a pink top, high-rise jeans, and white heels. Her hair was expertly curled, and a pink headband completed the ensemble. Barbie herself would have been envious.
"Good morning, sleepyhead. I made breakfast for you in that sketchy microwave." Aaliyah presented a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon. Thalia eyed the meal warily but took a cautious bite, finding it tasted surprisingly familiar, akin to the food from 2023. Perhaps, she mused, it was foolish to expect anything less. Jason made his entrance, sporting an outfit that straddled the line between bold fashion statement and fashion faux pas-a red shirt, a blue denim jacket, matching denim pants, and sneakers that squeaked with every step. His slicked-back hair and indoor sunglasses raised more than a few eyebrows.
Thalia couldn't contain her amusement. "You two look fantastic," she quipped.
Now it was her turn to navigate the enigmatic world of '80s fashion. The RV's seemingly infinite wardrobe offered her options, but she settled on simplicity-a brown sweater paired with light blue jeans, white Adidas sneakers, and her curly hair tied back into a ponytail. With a touch of natural makeup, she felt ready to blend in with the era. Leo, on the other hand, embraced the spirit of childhood with a striped red and white shirt paired with red shorts. His insistence on wearing Superman shoes only added to his charming disarray as he devoured his pancakes.
Aaliyah had plans for the day, and Thalia, despite her reservations, had little choice but to join the adventure. Together, they embarked on a sightseeing journey, clad in their '80s attire. As they roamed the streets, surrounded by neon colors, the music, and the eccentric fashion of the era, it was as if they had stepped onto a movie set-a thrilling and surreal experience that momentarily swept away the weight of their time-travel expedition. As they strolled along unfamiliar streets, the old-fashioned cars, adorned with vibrant colors and flamboyant designs, rolled by in a parade of nostalgia. The sheer extravagance of '80s fashion engulfed them, from neon leg warmers to oversized blazers in hues that defied subtlety.One thing became abundantly clear - there was not a smartphone in sight. Instead, people engaged in genuine conversations, laughter, and the simple pleasure of being in the moment. It was a world where connections were forged through face-to-face interactions, where the clattering of dishes in diners provided the soundtrack of communal life.
Their journey led them to a magnificent park, a sanctuary of greenery amidst the urban landscape. And at its heart, they discovered a grand fountain, a resplendent centerpiece that danced with cascading water in the golden sunlight. The fountain's elegant design seemed to pay homage to the extravagance of the '80s, its waters glinting in the daylight like liquid crystals. Surrounding the fountain, families gathered, children played, and couples shared tender moments. It was a snapshot of life frozen in time, a moment when people cherished the simple pleasures of a day at the park, unhurried by the distractions of the digital age. As Thalia and her companions joined the spectacle, they couldn't help but be swept up in the enchantment of it all. They sat on the edge of the fountain, their feet dangling into the cool water. Laughter and joy filled the air, and for a brief moment, the weight of their time-travel predicament seemed to lift.
The '80s had a charm that was both outrageous and endearing, a world where people reveled in the vibrancy of life. And as Thalia gazed around at the people of this era, she couldn't help but wonder if, in their quest to return to their own time, they might also discover the timeless beauty of living in the present. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the once-lively streets grew quieter, the trio decided it was time to return to the RV. The evening air carried a cooler breeze, and Thalia's thoughts once again turned to the disconcerting dream that had haunted her the previous night.
Back inside the RV, the sense of disquiet lingered. The holographic Earth at its center emitted an eerie glow, casting an otherworldly ambiance over their makeshift home. It was as if time itself hung in the air, a constant reminder of the consequences they might inadvertently unleash upon this era. As they settled in for the night, Thalia couldn't help but wonder if the key to their return to the future lay hidden within the mysteries of this RV or if it was something they had yet to discover in this strange world of the 1980s. Uncertainty weighed heavily on her mind, but amidst it all, she found comfort in the camaraderie of her fellow travelers and the strange, unexpected adventure that had become their reality.