See You In My Dreams Coffee Break Tale

Scientist or romantic, everyone secretly longs to have a lost loved one back in their life…

Sara switched off the DVD and the holographic image disappeared. “Well, that movie was confusing.” “No it wasn’t,” said Adam. “It’s just Quantum physics, and the theory that there’s a web of simultaneous existences. For example you’re here talking to me right now, but in another version we’re not having this conversation, or you could be making dinner or putting the washing on.” “But all the ‘me’s’ are real?” “Yes.” “Right-oh. So why, in all those other worlds am I still the one doing the chores, and not my twelve-year-old son?”

Adam smiled. “There’s an infinite number of worlds. In one of them you could be discovering a cure for cancer.” “Amazing, but I still don’t understand.” It didn’t surprise her that Adam did – he’d been top of his science class every year from 2085 to 2088.

“How do you know so much about Quantum physics?” His room was full of contraptions and gadgets he’d invented.

Adam shrugged. “Researched online. I wondered if there was a way for our consciousness to cross from one existence to another. If we could… we might find a world where Dad is still with us.”

Did the Sara’s in those other worlds have a crushed heart too right now? She thought her son had come to terms with his dad’s death when Adam was barely two. How could she have been so wrong?

Sara walked to a cupboard, rummaged around. She pulled out a DVD. “Let’s watch this next.” “What is it?” “Something you haven’t seen for a long time. Too long.”

The holographic image projected in front of them was shaky at times, but clear. There was Dan holding baby Adam close, staring at him with awe and love. Now he changed Adam’s nappy, laughing when he got peed on. Next Dan held Adam’s hand as he took tentative steps across the room. Then his first birthday party, trips to the park, the beach.

Only two years of Adam’s life with Dan, but hopefully filled with enough love to last Adam a lifetime.

When it ended, Adam wiped his eyes and hugged his mother.

“This was just what I needed to motivate me to work on my latest project. Thanks.” He headed to his room.

Sara kicked herself for not realising how much she had let Dan slip from his life. Sure, photos dotted the walls, but she couldn’t remember the last time they had spoken about him and reminisced.

She might not be smart about Quantum physics, but there was only one thing she