11:59(The ticking clock to 20 days of Freedom)

December 2025, Philadelphia. Diantha, From up my room window, it was obvious. It was that time of the year.Decorated Christmas trees around the streets,twinkling lights,the winter breeze,everyone clinging to their coats,and of course a distant "All I want for Christmas" by Mariah Carey from downstairs and the awkward high-pitched collective voices of my little sisters'singing along.I couldn't resist rolling my eyes. Very funny. Perks of having seven years old triplets for little sisters with a thirteen year gap from me,who think they are the it girls from some reality tv show. Worse enough,the awkward, high-pitched, and childish voices began getting closer,I know they weren't about to barge in my room. They did. "Y'all better go back to your mama downstairs,"I snapped just as the door burst open. Their faces dropped in dissapointement,and their pouty faces didn't help too bad.That never worked on me.They both turned around, furiosly stamping their feet downstairs. "I know you did not tell my babies to get out."My mother addressed at my room door. "I love them really,but aint the one who woke up one day and decided to have triplets thirteen years later with another man,"I responded. "That's selfish of you to say Diantha."She scolded. "Yeah,"I looked back at her and slightly nodded. "I take after my father,I guess,"shrugging my shoulder. I didn't want to look at her,my mind drifted to the distant ending verse of all I wanted to for Christmas. All I want for Christmas? I am to clear my bucket list and my wishlist to come true.I stared at paper infronf of me. Bucket list. 1. Have a kiss on the rain. 2. Go on a solo trip adventure and meet the love of my life. 3. Have a dance in the rain with the love of my life. 4. Own a puppy. 5. Visit an animal zoo. 6. Make new friends, and we remain friends forever. 7. Eat every kind of food I have never tasted. Wishlist. 1.Get Accepted to my dream university. 2. Maybe get lost in time. I fold the piece of paper and tuck in my jeans,pulling my coat over my shoulder.I decide to go outside and clear my head.I don't like arguing with my mom.I make my way downstairs The triplets jump on me,begging I go out with them,but I remind them its the night hours and assure them I will be back before they know it. "Bring us candys then!"They shout in unison. "Okay, fine,I promise i will bring them for you,"I assure them and give each of them a forehead kiss. I step outside, and the cold breeze envelopes me.i walk a few steps, and here my mom calls my name. "Dianthat!"I turn around."I am sorry for what I said earlier," I smile at her. "Me too!"I shout back. "Don't take too long,we have a season of outlander to catch up on! and a journey to prepare for. "She responds.I slightly nod and wave at her. Outlander. One of my favourite shows,I was a sucker for a good tale about time travel.I and my mom devoured about five seasons in a week.And when they released Blood of my blood,the parents storyline I was in for it.So if it's a book or a show about time travel,you caught me. I always found it fascinating getting lost in time.I wondered how that would feel.I wish I was Claire Beauchamp from Outlander.A baddie who found herself back in 1800's and drove those men at their time crazy. After a short walk,I sat on a bench,and stared up the sky full of stars.I wasn't alone on that bench their was an old man as well.Usually I don't normally want to make friends or start a chat hence my lack of permanent friends in my life. However,I wanted to have a chat with this old man.I kept brainstorming on how I was even supposed to start a conversation, and that's when he outdid me. "You have any wishes, young girl?"He asked his voice hoarse and his eyes fixed on the sky. "Yeah,I have a bucket list and a wishlist,I know it's a lot and crazy"I yapped,retrieving my list from my jeans about to show the oldman but I stop myself,afraid it maybe too much. "You have wishes as well?"I ask.and he moves his head left and right.I was a bit taken back how does he not have a wish . The old man looked at me,and his gaze dropped to my clutched hands that held the piece, and I knew I wasn't mistaken. He smiled. "Oh, to be young again and a dreamer,"he said quietly. "You want to take a look at my silly list,"I look at him."No one has ever seen this list except you,"I smiled. He nodded,and I gave him my list his eyes scanned my list, and he smiled again. "Get lost in time?"He whispered. "Yeah,I wish I could know how that feels,"I said with so much enthusiasm. "What's your name?"He asked. "Diantha,"I responded. "What is yours?" "Mr.Miller"He replied."Diantha,let's say there is a myth where there is a ticking clock to 20 days of freedom."He started. Like I said,I was in for any Tale that involved the time travel.I began listening carefully. "A clock that started ticking from 5th December this year to this night of the Christmas Eve and when the clock hits midnight meaning it officially Christmas you will travel to another timeline"He narrated. "It's like my wishlist would come true,"I responded. "However,you would have a choice,to be told how it ends and the consequences of this time travel or To be kept in the dark and never know about it,"he continued. "I have to choose?"I asked, my voice reflecting a childlike excitement. "Yes,I am telling the story so whatever choice you make. It will determine whether I keep telling you the myth or i stop,"he elaborated. "What I don't know won't hurt me," I look up the sky, "so I would choose to be kept in the dark" "Tough choice."He nods with a sad smile. "Did you just make that myth up?"I laugh with so much happiness. "Maybe,"he mumbles quitely. I realize,it's getting late and I ask him not wait for me at the bench as I go for the candys for the triplets.and as I head back to the bench I don't find Mr.miller and it breaks my heart cause I had bought a Christmas card for him. I slowly walk to my way home,holding the card and candys and my eye roam everywhere around the subway and I see the Philadelphia city hall clock tower.I look at it for a long time as it moves at 11:59 to the seconds and finally at 12:00. It's officially midnight and Merry Christmas to the world,my family, and Mr. Miller.