Hello there!

Today is the conclusion of this month’s #flashfictionmagic series. I’ve enjoyed all these prompts hosted by Elise Gilmore! If you missed the first three weeks, check them out before reading today’s conclusion: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

Benjamin watched the street from the usual table in the coffee shop. Ella would be here any minute, books and laptop in tow. He could see it all now. She would plop her backpack down and slide into her chair with a grin. She’d thank him for getting her usual—which steamed in front of him right now. And he would break her heart.

His double life was catching up to him, and he couldn’t keep this bright happy world separate from the dark one he lived in anymore. But he had to at least say goodbye to this world before he left it forever.

The door swung open, and Ella grinned as she made her way to the table. Instead of her overstuffed backpack, she had a clutch and wore a floral dress.

“You beat me to it,” she said, slipping onto the seat and admiring the warm coffee.

“Yeah.” He grimaced at the strain in his voice.

He regretted that he had gotten himself into this situation in the first place. Or did he? Ella was wonderful, and these last few months had been too. She was the best thing in his life. The only thing that felt worthwhile. He didn’t want to lose her.

Ella frowned. “Is everything okay?”

As her eyebrows became weighed down with concern, his confidence broke.

“I have to tell you something,” he whispered, leaning closer and taking one of her hands. “I’m not who I say I am. I’ve been lying to you. I’ve been living a double life, and I can’t keep it up.”

He expected tears or anger, but she watched him with an even expression. It was unsettling.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” he continued, “but I have to say goodbye. I hope you will forgive me.”

He searched her face and waited for the question. Was it another woman? A life of addiction or gambling that left him on the run? But no questions came.

Instead, she smiled. Smiled? “I know.”

Benjamin gaped. “What?”

Her grin broadened. “I know. I knew the first time I saw you and invited you to sit with me. And I think you’re good enough to join me.”

His mind felt like a tornado. He struggled to anchor his thoughts. “Join… you?”

“Yes. I haven’t been exactly honest with you either. I know you’re a spy. A good one too. Your history of undercover work drew my attention, and I insisted that I needed to meet you myself. I’m part of an elite organization from the future that protects the timeline from a variety of threats. You are just the kind of agent we need.” She slid her hand across the table and grabbed his. “Just the kind of person I’d like as my partner.”

Benjamin’s head was starting to hurt. Could this actually be true?

Ella seemed to read his mind. “I promise I’m telling the truth.” Her frown faded. “Your time here is about to end. Your next mission…”

“I’m going to die?”

She frowned. “Well, yes. But if you let me extract you before… well, I’m not supposed to give details. But if you agree, I’ll extract you before it happens. Everyone here will think you’re gone. Really, you’ll be on a new adventure. With me.”

It was a lot to take in. Benjamin hadn’t anticipated that he’d be the one blindsided today.

Ella squeezed his hand. “Well, Benjamin, what do you say? Come with me?”

“This is the strangest proposal I’ve ever heard.” He squeezed her hand back. “But I’m in, partner.”

⏳

Hope you’ve enjoyed this month’s story! I have something extra special planned for next week. Hope you join me!

Until then,

BRR Cannon