Dear Soren,

We are almost there! Two more weeks and I’ll finally get to meet you. I'm so excited, but I’m also really nervous. Going back in time is a lot different then just sending letters. What happens if the machine breaks down mid-transport? Mom told me I have to stop thinking so negatively, so to help me look on the brighter side I worked on getting you a gift for when we meet. I can’t tell you what it is though, it's a secret so don't ask! I am looking forward to seeing the world in your time as well. I've seen pictures, but to be there myself will be quite the experience! I hope you can take me out on your boat, I haven't seen a river or a lake in my entire life. Everything seems the same here. All the houses look the same, all the cars look the same, and even some of the people look the same! I want to touch grass and play in the mud like those kids from the old movies I’ve seen do. I mean isn't that what God made the mud for? I’m probably rambling, so let me close here. You haven't written to me in a while. I hope you're okay! See you in two weeks! Sincerely, Magpie.

Setting down her pen, Magpie beamed with delight as she folded up the piece of paper and slid it into the envelope. Every time she finished writing a letter it filled her with a sense of pride. Magpie’s school had started a pen-pal program to help connect students from the future to life in the past. Ten students were chosen at random, and Magpie's name was first on the list, she couldn't believe it. She had prayed hard to just be selected, but to be number one was more than she could have ever expected. The program was meant to only last one year but the children had so much fun, that it was extended and more students were allowed to join. Magpie’s pen pal was a boy named Soren Johnson, from a small town in the state of North Carolina. He was a year older than her, but the age and gender gap did not keep them from quickly becoming friends. He sent letters every week telling her all about his school, his hobbies, and even some of his troubles. Magpie read each letter like it was the first and hung each one up on her wall. Her mother scolded her often for doing so and said it looked tacky, but Magpie thought it was fun. Sealing the envelope she stood to her feet. Because paper was rarely found in the city, the school had to provide her with paper and envelopes. Magpie wondered what it would be like to live in a world without the technology to send a message with a simple tap of a button. Some people didn't even have to move to send a message across the world. All they had to do was say the word. Grabbing her jacket, Magpie left her room and headed downstairs. Her family’s robot Butler Stark was waiting for her at the front door. “On your way to the academy Miss Magpie?” he asked. “Yep, tell Mom, that I left when she gets back.” She said, grabbing her anti-gravity speedskater and heading out the door. “Of course, miss, have a good day.” Stark nodded his silver head. “Bye Stark!” she called back as she trotted down the front steps of her home. Activating her speedskator, she hopped on and sped down the street toward the academy.

Walking down the white glass halls of Intrepid Academy, Magpie clutched her letter in her hand. Perhaps Soren had sent a letter today. He hadn't for two weeks, and Magpie was beginning to get worried. “Hi Magpie!” Magpie turned to see her friend Zola rushing up to meet her. “Hi Zola!” “Sending Soren a letter today?” Zola asked, as she looped her arm in Magpie’s. She nodded. “Are you sending a letter today too? You're not in uniform?” Zola laughed. “Of course I am! Hannah sent me a letter yesterday so I had to respond. I'm not in uniform because I don't have school today. I'm going to see my Aunt.” Magpie nodded. Students milled around them all dressed in the sleek white uniform known by their school. Stopping at the laboratory, they pushed through the large double doors and stepped into the pride of the academy. Intrepid Academy was known throughout the world for having the most extensive, and expensive scientific lab of the generation. Droids and human scientists buzzed around the room, each working on a different project. Magpie searched the room for Nova. She was the droid who helped them send off their letters. “There she is.” Zola pointed, to a tall silver droid counting letters as she stood by a smaller prototype of the larger time machine. They hurried over to her. “Hi, Nova!” Magpie greeted her. Nova turned to them, her sensor glowing. “Hello Magpie. Hello Zola. Come to send off your letters?” “Absolutely!” Zola grinned handing the droid her letter. “Did letters come for us?” Magpie asked as Nova reached for hers. “Zola received a letter from Hannah which she retrieved yesterday. It does appear that you were sent one today Magpie.” Nova said, picking up a letter from the table in front of her and holding it out to Magpie. Magpie practically snatched it from her. “Yes!” she cried. “Soren finally sent me…..” “Magpie? What's wrong?” Zola asked, brow furrowed. “It's from Soren's mom.” She frowned. Ripping it open she turned away from the others and began to read.

Dear Magpie

I’m sorry it has been so long since you have received a letter. It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that Soren has passed away and is gone to be with the Lord. He has been sick for some time now, but did not want to tell you for fear it would only worry you. I wanted to write sooner expressing this news to you, but in my own grief, I could not find the strength to write. Please know that Soren considered you his greatest friend, and during his last moments here on earth requested that you be told how much he cared about you. I’m so sorry Magpie. Please know you will always be special to our family and we hope to meet you one day.

With love,

Grace Johnson.

Magpie felt herself freeze. It couldn't be true. The world around her seemed to fade away as she stared at the letter. Her hands shook as she reached once again inside the envelope and pulled out a picture of Soren. He was standing by the lake, his golden hair blowing in the breeze of the sunset. He was with his golden retriever Sunny whom he told her so much about and the two were beaming up at the camera with joy. A cry escaped Magpie’s throat. The lab grew silent as all eyes turned to her. “What is it Magpie?” Zola asked, resting a hand on her shoulder. Eyes brimming with tears, Magpie spun around and fled from the room. It had to be a lie. Soren couldn't be gone! She wouldn't believe it! Not when she was so close to being able to go back in time and see him. All she could do was run. Her best friend was gone. And she would never receive another letter from him.