Learning to Love Time Loops Without Going Insane

Jen was the first to notice Stan’s absence. She immediately alerted everyone and they started searching everywhere in the chamber. The problem was there were no paths other than the water out, and she was sure he hadn’t gone back that way. Her husband had seemingly vanished.

“Dammit, Stan, where are you?!” She screamed out in frustration.

A translucent figure appeared in front of her as though in answer to her question. “I apologize for any undue fear I have caused. Stan expressed certain desires that are within the scope of my task. I promise he will be returned unharmed. If he is as I think he is, though, he shall be returned much more powerful than when he left.”

The figure vanished before Jen could yell any angry words at her instead, she just slumped to the ground. “Please be okay, Stan.”