Nickie 014

The inventor observed the expression on the lady's face closely. She looked almost lost in thought.

"I can see that you are not in the mood to sing a song, is that right?"

"No, that is the last thing on my mind. Somehow it does not seem appropriate either"

"In that case it's probably time to take off the glasses"

"I will do that, thank you". She handed the bifocals to the inventor. "Same receipt? Ten seconds before putting up my own glasses?"

"Yes, ten seconds will do. Here you are". He handed the lady's own glasses to her but she kept them in her hand for another while.

"This may sound strange to you but I'm feeling less isolated in this blur than with the bifocals on my nose. The quiet noise in the far distance is back. Like a familiar context. Time to check my eyesight. Yes, everything is back to normal"

"Do you feel disappointed in any way?"

"No, don't get me wrong. I did not really have a plan for the late sixties. The changes were so subtle that words could not express them. It was more a different feel than anything else"

"Welcome back in the present, Nickie"

"Thank you. Now can you hand me those black glasses? Or even better, both pairs?"

"Sure, no problem. Do you have an experiment of your own in mind?"

"I was wondering what happens if I put the bifocals on and have a look at the black glasses"

"Combining the past and the present?"

"Yes, in a way. I'm kind of curious if the black glasses can act as a counter force against the time machine. Do you think there is any risk if I do that, just briefly?"

"No, I don't think so. Brilliant. Nobody ever came up with this idea. But keep it short"