I've made some mistakes in this timeline. But there's one I have to fix before going back. — Dustin Thao

"If the astronomy thing doesn't work out, you would be a great chef," I tell him and take another sip of coffee. "You know what they say... whether a poet looks through a pantry or telescope, he always sees the same thing." "Is that a real quote?" "I might have revised it a little." He smiles. "And what's it supposed to mean, exactly?" "It means you see the possibility in things," I say confidently. "Regardless of what you do. Everything's a universe, if you really think about it. "I like that," he says, nodding. "Maybe you should major in philosophy." "Don't know if I'm smart enough for that." "I think you're smarter than you think you are." I don't say anything back because I'm not used to hearing people say this about me.

He leans back, taking me in again. "I don't think I got your name, by the way." I smile. "Oliver. And you?" "I'm Ben." "Ben," I say, mostly to myself. "I've always liked that name."

It's a whirlwind of a school week. I'm trying to pin down my schedule as I sit through my old classes. I never thought I'd have to memorize the geologic time scale again. I don't remember where any of my notes are. Is it really possible I'm stuck here? And I have to take all my finals again? I was freaking out about that, but some things have started to come back to me. Like memories, filling the gaps in my head. Maybe it's not the end of the world if I stay. Who wouldn't want to redo the last six months of their life? Especially if it means being closer to someone you love.