Echoes of Time

Chapter 7: The Young Jurassic

Narnia had traveled through time again.

This time, she found herself beside a 12-year-old Jurassic, in the United States, 1968. Realizing this, Narnia felt like her world was crashing down.

"Great, time-traveling is one thing, but cross-border time-traveling? I didn't even need to leave the country!"

But that wasn't the point.

Narnia was at her wit's end, sitting on the floor with her arms crossed, deep in thought. Based on her last experience, she knew she could return if she took a photo that had brought her here.

Beleren had told her that the piano in the photo was in Jurassic's room. Narnia's eyes fell on that piano. Yes, that was it!

All she needed to do was to replicate the actions in the photo, and when Caprica took a picture with the camera, she would be able to go back.

Simple enough. With this thought, Narnia turned to the young Jurassic and asked, "Little brother, do you know a Caprica?"

He remained silent, not uttering a word.

Using the soothing tone of a kindergarten teacher, Narnia coaxed, "Little brother, don't be afraid. I'm not a bad person. Tell sister, do you know a caretaker named Caprica?"

"Are you treating me like a three-year-old?" The little boy finally spoke up.

His words left Narnia speechless. Looking at his indifferent expression and disdainful tone, it was hard to link this child with the gentle and scholarly adult Jurassic she had first met.

"Who would have thought, grown-up he’s so gentle and refined, but as a child, he's so cold?"

Narnia was taken aback by his question. Surveillance? It was astonishing to hear this from a 12-year-old. It was clear that this child was smart and had a strong sense of vigilance. He wasn't someone to be easily deceived.

To stay in his room, Narnia made up a lie.

"Actually, I am a—" Narnia tried to sound mysterious as she slowly stood up, arms crossed and chest puffed up. "A time traveler!"

The boy across from her had no reaction.

Narnia suddenly froze. She wondered if there were any time-travel movies in 1968. Would this child even understand the concept of time-travel?"“Narnia—” he shouted, but she rushed over and covered his mouth. “Don't yell! Give me five minutes, and I'll make you believe me!”

Five minutes later.

Having talked herself dry, Narnia poured herself a cup of water, guzzling it down before asking, “So, do you understand what time-traveling is now?”

Jurassic remained silent, but in fact, he had been observing her since earlier.

Everything about this person, from her clothing to her behavior, was peculiar. She was Chinese, spoke Chinese, but was unlike any Chinese he was familiar with. She was unique.

Most importantly, he had changed clothes in the wardrobe that morning and had been practicing the piano in his room ever since. The door had been locked the entire time.

That meant she had appeared out of thin air.

Although he believed what she had said, the young Jurassic, already crafty for his age, didn't reveal his thoughts.

Seeing him silent, Narnia assumed he didn't understand and sat up straight, clearing her throat. “It's okay if you don't get it. Let me explain it again. It's—”

“What's your name?” he interrupted.

Narnia hesitated. Hadn't she told him yet? “I'm Narnia, the easy ‘Narnia’ and the shallow ‘shallow.’”

“Do you know my name?” he asked again.

Narnia nodded, “I do, you're Jurassic.”

“How do you know my name?” His brows furrowed, growing cautious once more.

Narnia had expected this question and was prepared. “Of course I know your name, because I'm here to protect you!”

Jurassic was taken aback. She was here to protect him?

“Little brother, don't worry, I won't harm you,” Narnia patted his shoulder. “I can't leave this room and can't let others find out about me, because my mission is to protect you secretly. Can I stay here?”

“Why do you want to protect me?” His mind was clear. He didn't blindly trust everything she said.

After some thought, Narnia said, “Because the future you asked me to protect you.”

“The future me…” A strange light flashed in his eyes, and his gaze towards Narnia became complex.

Looking at this child, Narnia thought of a phrase to describe him: wise beyond his years. Although young, he had many thoughts and was intelligent.

No wonder he would achieve such brilliance in the future.

Finally, under Narnia's silver-tongued persuasion, the child agreed to keep her secret and allow her to stay in the room, but there was one piece of bad news: Caprica was away on a trip, and it was unclear when he would return. "Jurassic stayed outside, guarding the door, and crouched down to listen to Narnia humming in the bathroom.

Narnia didn't dare to take too long, so she finished quickly, wrapping herself in a bathrobe and leaving. Jurassic led her back the same way, but suddenly, he noticed something and quickly found a corner for them to hide in!

"What's wrong?" Narnia whispered.

He didn't reply, just stared in one direction. Narnia looked over and saw a woman in a white nightgown on the balcony, gazing into the distance. The night's shadows fell on her.

Although her face wasn't visible, her figure made it clear she was a beauty.

After some time, the woman left. As she turned, Narnia caught a glimpse of her face and indeed, she was a stunning beauty, though her expression was cold and emotionless, like a body without a soul.

Narnia looked down at Jurassic and saw him watching the woman intently, a hint of sorrow and pain in his eyes.

This was the first time Narnia had seen him with such an expression. She couldn't help but wonder who that woman was to him.