I've seen it. How the daylight turned dark for a few seconds. How people stopped in their tracks like statues. How everything around me came to a halt. How the hands of time lost its power for I don't know how long.
It felt like a dream. But I wasn't dreaming. I know I wasn't dreaming nor hallucinating. I knew what I saw. I knew something was happening that's hidden from my eyes.
I have no idea why I was the only one who was able to witness everything. It was scary. It seems like the world feel into a deep slumber and the sound of nothingness is something I cannot endure.
Before I could ever take my phone to record what's happening, the world started moving. The people continued walking like a movie being played after a long pause. I was bothered. Well, who wouldn't? I just witnessed a moment where everything literally came to a stop!
I was still in a state of shock when I felt a slight dodge in my shoulder. I turned to look at the person staring at me with concern.
"You okay?"
I slowly nodded my head as a response. I kept my eyes on her to see if something has changed. I have this feeling that what happened a moment ago will bring a phenomenon.
"Why are you staring at me like that? You sure you're okay?"
I smiled and shook my head. Nevermind, I'll just observe her secretly.
"Let's go. I don't wanna be late for our class. Mr. Harry is not someone we can have a little chitchat," I said.
~~~~
"In the simplest terms, time is a continuous sequence that allows events to happen in order, from the past through the present to the future. It's a way for us to understand and organize our lives and the world around us."
I have a bored look on my face as I spinned my ballpen in my hand. Mr. Harry, an old man in black suit, thick eyeglasses, and white hair, is currently teaching us about time.
"The past is a record of events that have already happened. It's like a story that's been written and can't be changed. The present is the moment that's happening right now. It's where we live and make decisions that can affect our future. And the future is what hasn't happened yet. It's unknown and can be influenced by our actions in the present."
I frowned. What happened earlier, where does it belong? What do you call a moment where everything suddenly stops?
"Is it possible for time to stop?"
Everyone in the classroom turned to me. I know it is a question that everybody would ask but I'm desperate. I need to know his answer.
"Well, from a physical standpoint, according to our current understanding of the universe and the laws of physics, time can't literally stop," he looked at me with a serious face.
"According to Einstein's theory of relativity, time and space are interconnected in what's known as the space-time continuum. This means that time is always flowing. Even in a hypothetical scenario where everything in the universe stopped moving, time itself would still continue to pass."
But Mr. Harry, that's not what had happened. If time can't literally stop, then how do you explain what I've experienced earlier?
"Mr. Harry, what if time suddenly stops? Like the flow of time came to a halt?"
A nerdy boy asked from behind. I can already imagine his thick eyeglasses and round eyes without even looking.
"Mr. Radcliffe, the idea of time suddenly coming to a halt is a fascinating concept, but it's more at home in the realm of science fiction than in our current understanding of physics."
So you're telling me I am delusional? I saw one of the passerbys wristwatch and it's not moving!
"According to Einstein's theory of relativity, time and space are interconnected in a four-dimensional structure known as space-time. Just as we can't stop space, we can't stop time either. It's always moving forward."
I slammed my head on the table. This is frustrating! Seems like I'm not gonna get an explanation to whatever phenomenon that occurred to me.
"Ms. Sinclaire, are you alright?"
I slowly raised my head in embarrassment. My classmates have a questioning face and others are already whispering. Now, what?
"I'm okay, Mr. Harry. Nothing weird has happened to me," I plastered my most convincing smile before turning my head towards my best friend. I know she's asking for an explanation.
The bell saved me from further embarrassment. I immediately packed my stuffs and headed towards the door before Mr. Harry could even head out. I could hear Ava's voice calling me to go back.
My feet took me directly to the cafeteria. The line is already long and it's making me more irritated. Tsk, these brats. Did they even waited for the bell to ring before coming here?
I decided to take my phone out and texted Ava that I'm here at the cafeteria. I'm sure she's gonna read it.
I suddenly froze. I felt a strong pull of gravity before I saw the boy in front of me placing his left foot to trip down an incoming nerd. Before I could react, I felt another pull of gravity, making me close my eyes. When I opened my eyes, I saw a nerd walking towards our direction.
My eyes widened in shock and disbelief. Did I just saw the future?!
Before the nerd could actually come closer, I pulled the boy in front of me and ushered him to the right side to keep him from tripping the poor nerd. He seemed surprised and irritated at the same time.
"What is your problem?!"
I took a step back and looked him in the eyes.
"I'm not gonna let you make fun of the poor boy."
His eyebrows rose in frustration.
"And who are you to tell me what to do?"
"I'm just telling you to stay away from him. You don't have to be mad. Unless you're planning on something criminal?"
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"Hey, aren't you hungry? There's a lot of people here who wants to eat. If you're not planning on ordering something, stay out of the line."
My words made him look in front. I sighed in annoyance. What a brat.
It took me a few minutes before finally getting my order. I bought 2 large burger, 2 medium sized fries, and 2 iced coffee. This will be enough for both Ava and me.
Holding the tray of food, I scanned the whole cafeteria. I spotted my best friend at the end of the table, sitting alone. Probably waiting for me.
"Care to explain what happened in Mr. Harry's class?"
That was the first question she had thrown me. I placed the tray of food at the table before making myself comfortable in my chair in front of her. The scenario that had happened just a while ago resurfaced in my memory.
"Ava, I know this will sound weird, but I think I can see the future."