Generation 1, Chapter 41

The air was turning crisp and the leaves were turning colors. Fall was Jean's favorite time of year. She especially enjoyed raking leaves, the sounds of the leaves crunching under her feet as she walked was soothing. One evening as she enjoyed raking, Corina and Doloris joined her. Then Adam joined them outside, raking close to Jean so that they could talk while they worked.

"Mom, can I ask you something?" Adam inquired.

Pausing for a moment Jean replied "Yes, what's the matter?"

"Well I've been feeling kind of guilty about going on a date with Janelle."

"Oh Janelle is such a sweet girl and such a good babysitter" Jean enthused.

"She is nice but we really don't have much in common."

"Well not everyone you date will be the right one. That's why it's important to be willing to meet and get to know others, so that you have options. After a while you'll know what you want and need in a relationship."

"I know you and Dad think I'm just settling for Windy because I've known her all my life. But we do have a close connection. I don't want to lose that."

"Adam, is she why you feel guilty for going out with Janelle?"

"Yeah, I guess so. I didn't do anything to be guilty for, all we did was talk until we both got bored. But I still feel like I was cheating or something."

"Oh Adam, you have such a soft, kind heart. Your so much like your Father. I've often wondered how your Dad could have fallen for someone like Vallari. But I believe it's his belief that everyone has a good side and he looks for the good in everyone he meets and it's hard for him to see the uglier side of people's natures. You do that too, Adam and I fear that you'll get hurt, like your Father did."

"You think Windy will hurt me, like Vallari hurt Dad, don't you?" Adam asked softly.

"Yes I do" Jean admitted "Your Dad thinks we can help her, that she just needs guidance and less influence from Vallari. But I'm not so sure, it may be too late."

Adam silently continued to rake, meditating on what Jean told him. He wanted to believe that Windy loved him and wouldn't hurt him. But was he just deluding himself? Was Jean right? Was it too late for Windy to change?

Meanwhile Brian had reached a conclusion that he couldn't keep what he knew about Windys' conversation with Vallari to himself. He knew he might be opening himself up to retaliation from both Vallari and Windy But the welfare of his family was more important. Brian found his Dad down in the lab with Elliot.

"Dad, you have a moment?"

"Sure son, what's on our mind?" Peter asked turning off the science station and picking up Elliot as he turned his attention to Brian.

"Well I kind of overheard a disturbing phone call between Windy and Vallari. It has me concerned that they're planning something bad." Brian went on to explain what he heard and the warning that Windy gave him and how afraid he was. As Peter listened, his heart sank, he never wanted his children to live in fear; especially not in fear of their mother. As much as Peter wanted to see the good in people, he was finding it more and more difficult when it came to his ex-wife. Windy was still young and Peter refused to believe she was unredeemable but something hds to be done before she was put into a position where she has done something she would regret for the rest of her life.

"Dad, what do we do? How can we protect ourselves from something we don't have all the information on yet?" Brian's worried tone broke into Peter's thoughts.

Peter smiled confidently at Brian and said "Son we'll live our lives as normally as possible. We'll be cautious. But we will not live in fear."

Brian looked at his Father in admiration. After everything his Dad has been through, he still could stand up and defy fate. Brian smiled and for the first time in days he felt his fear melt away. He didn't know how or why but his Father's words filled him with calm and courage. He knew if there was a way to stop Vallari and Windy his Dad would find it. They would stand up to Vallari together, she wouldn't, couldn't break them.

Peter handed Elliot to Brian to take him up to his room. After Brian left, Peter allowed a look of worry to cross his face. He was concerned about Vallari's next attack. Why couldn't she just leave them alone? Why did she need to enlist the help of a vulnerable young girl? Why did she delight in inflicting so much pain? Peter sighed knowing he would never have satisfying answers to his questions. But he pondered what he should do, what precautions he should make.

First he checked that all smoke and burglar alarms were there and in working order. All the windows and doors were changed when they remodeled the house, so he was reasonably sure that Vallari did not have keys to get in. Although Windy could have supplied her with a copy. All the electronics and plumbing had been updated during the remodel so there shouldn't be any left over booby traps from the time when Vallari had lived here. He doubted that Windy had the know how for any sophisticated traps that would be life threatening. He thought about poison, while it was a valid concern, he doubted Vallari would try it again, she generally never used the same trick twice. So he was relatively sure she wouldn't poison them but he decided that to be more cautious in the future and bring his own lunch to work and make sure no one else had access to it.

His final step was to pull up information on boarding schools on the internet. He wasn't quite ready to throw in the towel yet but he wanted to know what his options were. The one school he thought would work best was Military School. He hoped their curriculum would help instill a sense of self worth and discipline in Windy. Peter requested additional information on the school be sent to his email.

The following morning, while the kids were rushing to get ready for school, Windy was watching TV in Peter and Jean's bedroom.

Doloris approached her saying "What are you doing in my parents room?" she demanded.

"Watching TV with Elliot."

"You can do that in the living room."

"I know but I like this TV better."

"You should be careful. You know Mom and Dad are just looking for an excuse to send you to Military School."

"How would you know that?

"I saw the emails Dad received from the school."

Windy laughed scornfully at Doloris's attempt to intimidate her. "Your Dad could be thinking of sending you there instead."

"No way. I'm his daughter. He'd never send me away." Doloris was pleased with herself for telling Windy about the emails. She wanted her to worry about being sent a way.

Windy almost laughed at the idea of them sending her to Military School. She never thought they'd be serious about sending her away. They were too soft-hearted to do something so mean. The more she thought about it the funnier it became.

Windy had planned on skipping school and going over to Vallari's for the day. Not that she wanted to spend the day with Vallari, she didn't have a choice. Vallari wanted to outline her new plan of attack. Windy really didn't want to be any part of it. It was one thing to pick on the little kids, to lead Adam on and to cause general mayhem in the family but what Vallari wanted to do next was so much worse.

Windy's mind was on this clandestine meeting with Vallari that she wasn't paying attention to what she was doing and before she knew it the kitchen was on fire. Windy panicked as the fire engulfed the kitchen. Fortunately for her, the fire alarm was triggered and the firemen arrived and quickly got the fire under control. The firemen gave her a lecture on fire safety and informed her that her parents had been notified and were on their way.

Windy's first thought was 'great, just great they'll never believe I didn't do this on purpose.' Then she realized this gave her a legitimate excuse not to go over to Vallari's house. With luck she would be grounded and not be allowed to leave the house except for school. She could work this to her advantage. She realized this could be the solution she had been looking for. She was going to cause so much trouble that they would want to send her to military school, then she wouldn't have to worry about being a participant in Vallari's new scheme.

Generation 1, Chapter 40

It's been several months since Peter went to the future and as expected his remission was termed a miracle by all current medical technology. Peter would always be thankful to Emit for suggesting the treatment and for the help of his sons. Mostly he was thankful for the second chance he was given to spend time with his family, his children and the love of his life, Jean.

"Honey, what is it? You've been staring at the board for at least five minutes now" Jean interrupted his thoughts.

"Oh sorry, I was lost in thought, I guess."

"About?" Jean prompted.

Smiling at her, Peter said "I was thinking about how lucky I am to have you in my life. Have I ever told you how much I appreciated you standing by me and the kids during my illness?"

"Yes you have, often" Jean smiled "and I'd do it again." Hesitating a moment Jean continued "the Doctor's they're sure the cancer is in remission, right?"

Stretching his hand out, Peter took Jean's hand and kissed it saying "Yes they're sure. I've never felt better. I'm back to my old self again." Noticing Jean's beautiful blue eyes were glistening with unshed tears Peter continued "Honey I'm going to share a secret with you. The cancer's not just in remission, I'm completely cured."

Fighting back tears, Jean took Peter's hand and caressed it against her cheek "I know that's what you want to believe but you have to accept the facts that the cancer could come back and um, I don't know how I will handle it if it does. I tried so hard to be positive, I don't know if I could do it again."

Peter knew he had to tell her the complete truth in order to ease her fears. He couldn't let her worry about his health; although no one knew what the future might hold but she didn't need to worry needlessly about something that was cured. He explained about Emit, the time portal and how the boys helped him. How he was really cured. When he was done Jean turned to Peter and asked "Peter will you take me to the future?"

"Yes but the less we use the time portal the better. We don't want risk disrupting the time line."

"I agree but there's something important I have to do there." At the look of bewilderment on Peter's face she continued "I want to thank Emit for giving me my husband back."

While Peter and Jean were talking downstairs, Brian overheard a phone conversation between Windy and Vallari.

"Yes, yes I just told you, he has a clean bill of health." Brian knew she was talking about his Dad. He wanted to rip the phone from her hand and tell Vallari that his Dad's health was none of her business. If it hadn't been for her, his Dad wouldn't have been ill in the first place. He continued to linger in the room listening.

"No I told you, I can't do that." Brian wondered what Vallari wanted Windy to do. "Vallari, please" Windy almost pleaded into the phone "I said no. I won't hurt Adam like that. I just can't." Brian almost felt sorry for Windy. Whatever was being discussed didn't sound good and Windy was being pressured by a very skilled manipulator.

"Ok, ok" Windy agreed in defeat and as she put her phone away she wiped a tear from her cheek saying to herself 'what have I gotten myself into?"

Brian wondered what he should do. Should he tell his Dad or Adam that something might happen? He didn't know which was the target or it could even be both. Should he put himself out on the line and approach Windy to see if she would open up to him? Would that make him a target in the future?

Adam decided to take his Dad's advise and went on a date with Janelle Crowell. Janelle was Elliot's babysitter, she was nice and kind of pretty. They went to a horse ranch but the owners refused to let them take any horses out due to the rain. They were afraid the thunder and lightening might startle the horses and they didn't want them getting hurt. So they stood around for awhile hoping the rain would stop. While they waited, they talked about a few things, like his love of science and her love of horses. Adam was glad when the date ended though, he felt like he was cheating on Windy the entire time. 

After talking with Jean, Peter decided to get some fresh air and went to work in the garden. Corina came over to watch him work.

"Dad do you like growing things?"

"Yes, it's relaxing and I enjoy it."

"Dad you're all better, right?" Corina asked changing the subject.

"Yes honey, I am." Peter confirmed.

"Good! I didn't like it when you were sick."

"Honey, want to know a secret?"

Corina eagerly nodded saying "Yes".

"I didn't like being sick either. I saw how scared everyone was."

Corina nodded her head and said "I was scared".

"I know sweetheart and I'm sorry." Peter told her giving her a hug.

Corina hugged him back saying "I love you Daddy".

Brian was wandering around the house debating with himself, trying to decide what he should do. He didn't want anything to happened to his Dad or brother but he didn't think he could handle being a target of Vallari's wrath either. He heard Elliot fussing and went into his room to see what Elliot needed.

"Hey little big man, what's the matter?"

Elliot giggled in reply, delighting in the attention he always received from everyone around him. "Well from the smell, I think you need a diaper change."

Jean was happily preparing supper for the family. She enjoyed cooking; although she wished she was a better cook than she was. Peter always told her he loved her cooking but she knew he was biased. but as long as it was edible that was all she asked. They seldom had a chance to all sit down together as a family. Primarily there wasn't room for all of them around the table and everyone's schedules were so different. Tonight though, they planned on talking to Windy while they ate.

"So Windy, how's your job going? Do you like it?" Jean asked to get things rolling.

Shrugging, Windy said "It's ok. I like the extra money but it's not very challenging."

Considering that for a moment Peter asked "Is there something you're interested in?"

"I'm not really sure yet. I've been offered scholarships to learn massage therapy but I'm not sure that's what I want to do. But I think I would like to do something in the medical field though."

"That's very commendable. So you're interested in going to college?" Jean inquired.

"Of course, if I can I mean, aren't you guys going to help me?"

"Do you want our help?" Peter replied.

"What do you mean?" Windy asked.

"Well it appears to us that you go out of your way to get what you want with little to no effort on your part." Jean stated.

Windy instantly wanted to take offense but then remembered her phone conversation with Vallari and knew they were right. She wondered if she wanted to be like Vallari and was it too late to change?

"To be honest, we're a little concerned about your relationship with Vallari. We're concerned that she may not be the best influence for you" Peter explained.

"You can't dictate who my friends are" Windy said angrily.

"No you're right and we won't. However you do live in our house and are subject to our rules. We would appreciate your cooperation in following the house rules. Do you think you can do that?" Peter reasoned.

Taking a deep breath Windy nodded her agreement. She wondered if she could or would Vallari suggest she do otherwise?

After Windy left, Jean turned to Peter and asked "Do you think she will?"

"I don't know dear. I hope so. I wish I knew what Vallari had on her. You can tell she wants to belong here but for whatever reason she does whatever Vallari tells her to do to cause trouble."

"What if she continues to cause problems? What will we do?"

"Then I think we might have to consider sending her away to boarding school. I'd hate to do that but getting her away from Vallari might be the best thing for her."

Peter was still contemplating the possibility of sending Windy to boarding school, when Doloris asked him for a bedtime story. Peter missed being able to read to his girls when he had been so ill. He cherished these moments, knowing that the time was soon approaching when they wouldn't want him to read bedtime stories. When Doloris was asleep, Peter leaned over and tenderly kissed her cheek.

Meanwhile Brian had finally come to a decision. He joined Windy in the living room, pretending to be watching her play a video game.

"Windy I heard you talking to Vallari earlier today" Brian began "I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't discuss my Dad's health with that woman."

"She was only interested in his welfare."

"No she wasn't and you know it" Brian insisted "What does she want you to do?"

"Nothing" Windy told him still playing her game.

"I heard you tell her no repeatedly and then you caved. I won't let you hurt my family."

"It's none of your business" Windy growled at him.

"It is my business when it involves my family" Brian persisted.

"If you know what's good for you, you'll drop this." Windy told him as she walked away.

Generation 1, Chapter 39

Emit decided the only solution was to bring Peter to the future The cure existed here thanks in large part to Peter's research. His colleagues at the Science lab had worked tirelessly on Peter's research and found the cure 15 months after Peter's death. It revolutionized modern medicine and brought hope to countless individuals. When the cure was first discovered it had a success rate of 40%, depending upon the type of cancer and how aggressive it was. However in Emits time the success rate had increased to 90% due to advancements through the decades. Emit knew this was the best chance Peter had of surviving. Although it would be unusual for someone to go into complete remission so late in the stage but that is what he knew the doctor's in Peter's time would say happened. It would be deemed a miracle.

So Emit went back in time to convince Peter to come to the future with him. "Peter my dear friend, come to the future with me. We have the means to make you well again."

Although the offer was tempting Peter declined "No Emit I appreciate the offer but I can't. It wouldn't be right, cheating death like that. If it's my time it's my time."

"But you don't understand. It's not your time. I'm here to correct the timeline. Everything hinges on you. You must survive."

"Wait, I don't understand. What hinges on me?" Peter was confused wishing Emit would make sense.

Emit sighed, realizing he would have to explain how things changed and why Peter was key to putting the timeline right.

Peter was overwhelmed with the magnitude of what Emit was telling him. He had never believed Vallari was capable of such evilness. He had known she was mean spirited, greedy, manipulative all those things but pure evil, he hadn't wanted to believe it. He agreed with Emit that he had to do this. He would do whatever it took to protect his family, his children from the evil clutches of Vallari.

However due to his health he had to enlist the help of both Adam and Brian. Brian was excited for the chance to see what the future would be like; although Peter warned him that the future would all change. Adam was kicking himself for not thinking about going to the future to find a cure. How could he have forgotten about time travel? It would have been so easy and his Dad wouldn't have had to suffer and waste away.

Once they arrived in Oasis Landing, it was late and Emit suggested they get a good nights rest. However Adam and Brian detoured to the kitchen in search of food. Peter joined them; although he ate very little. He wanted to enjoy their company. After the boys filled their stomachs and talked optimistically of the future, they all decided it was time for bed.

However Emit was waiting for Adam, wanting to talk to him privately.

"Adam I'm very concerned about your family" Emit began.

"What! Why? I thought you said this procedure would work on my Dad." Adam said jumping to the wrong conclusion.

"No it isn't that. It's just, how well do you know your mother."

"Who Jean? She's awesome the way she's supported Dad through all of this."

"No not Jean. I mean Vallari" Emit corrected.

"Oh what about her?"

"What do you know about her?" Emit repeated.

"Not a whole lot, except she's the meanest person I know. Why?"

"She's a lot more than that. She's extremely vengeful. She hurts people to get her way, to get what she wants. When someone like your Dad stands up to her they get hurt."

"Are you saying that Vallari is responsible for Dad's illness?"

"Yes. She had one of your fathers assistants poison his food. However that assistant mixed the poison up with irradiate dust particles that ultimately caused your Dad's cancer. The point is she wants revenge against your Dad and she may try something else. Someone needs to keep an eye out for things she might do in the future."

"So your telling me so that I can be that someone. So what do I do? I can't be everywhere all the time." Adam said feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of having to second guess and out smart Vallari.

"Just be careful. Double check everything; especially if Vallari has been around. Don't take anything for granted."

"Ok I'll try. But why tell me? Why not Dad?" Adam wondered.

"I already told your Dad but you needed to know as well. You are also on Vallari's hit list. You personally need to take precautions as much as your Dad does."

"But why? Why me? Why does she hate me so much?" Adam demanded, his mind reeling with the knowledge.

"Because you stand up to her. Right now her revenge has taken the form of having your car stolen but it could become worse if she feels threatened by you."

Adam sadly agreed with Emit and turned to get ready for bed when Emit stopped him saying "Adam I ... well, you should beware of Windy too."

"She's my best friend, my girlfriend. I've known her all my life. She wouldn't hurt me."

"I hope you're right. But ask yourself, if Windy is such a good friend, why is she friends with Vallari too? She of all people should know what Vallari is and how she has treated you. Yet Windy seeks out Vallari's company and advice."

"I don't believe you." Adam said defensively. But he knew Emit was right. He knew but he didn't want to believe it.

"Whether you believe me or not, just be careful. She could change or she could be your doom. Only time will tell."

"Don't you know? I thought you knew everything." Adam retorted.

"The future will be resetting itself once Peter has his cancer treatment tomorrow, so everything is in a state of flux. But based upon the other timelines, she's a disturbing potential problem. I wanted to warn you. What you do with that warning is up to you. Good night Adam." With that Emit left the room, leaving Adam to ponder upon what he said.

It chilled Adam to the bone to know Windy might be as bad as Vallari. He wanted to disregard what Emit had told him but he knew he was right. Adam laid awake for hours wondering what he should do until he fell into a troubled sleep filled with dreams.

'He was driving on a winding road and he had to fight to keep the car on the road, narrowly missing one tree after another. All the while Windy was there laughing at him. Then he found himself on a university campus where everyone was pointing at him and whispering things behind his back. He saw Windy just ahead of him and she waves at him saying Goodbye Adam, I'm off to find the money tree."

Adam woke up feeling irritable and groggy. He got up not ready to face the day. He knew his eyes were red from lack of sleep. He threw water in his face, hoping it would wake him up. He wanted to give the impression of confidence, knowing that his father and brother would both be nervous about the procedure. Adam met them for breakfast in the kitchen.

As if reading Adam's mind Peter said "Emit is at the hospital making arrangements. So all we have to do is arrive on time. So relax, enjoy your breakfast, this will all be over soon."

Adam had to smile. His Dad almost sounded like himself again. He hadn't realized how much he had missed that easy way his Dad had of giving him confidence and hope, no matter the situation. He started to feel better, knowing he wasn't the one that had to be the strong one, his Dad was going to be alright.

Peter went on to outline the agenda for the day. "The procedure should take about an hour. Don't get upset if it takes longer. Emit said that in cases where the cancer is in stage four it may take longer. I'll be in recovery for an hour or so, just long enough to be somewhat alert. After that we'll have to make a beeline straight to the time portal."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Adam questioned "That seems awfully quick. What if there are complications? Why do we have to leave so quick?"

"Yeah I haven't had time to see anything yet" Brian said.

"It has something to do with the timeline changing. We need to be where we're supposed to be for the timeline to realign itself. So I'm going to need your help to get from the hospital to the time portal. I'm not going to be able to move fast; especially climbing stairs and such. Emit will clear traffic for us so we don't have to worry about that. I know we can do this, we just need to help each other."

"Sure Dad you can count on us" Adam and Brian said together.

It was still early when they arrived at the hospital. However as soon as Peter entered the hospital, he was whisked away to a treatment room. Another nurse escorted the boys to a waiting room and explained that once the procedure was done a doctor would come out to talk to them. It felt like an eternity while they sat in the waiting room, pretending to read but each silently worrying about their father. They each hoped that this procedure would work but they dwelled on that 10% chance it wouldn't. What would they do without their Dad in their lives?

Finally a doctor came into the waiting room.

"Adam? Brian? I'm doctor Johanson. The procedure went very well considering the advanced stage the cancer was in. Your father did very well and should fully recover. He will be weak for several days, so he should get plenty of rest. I know that you are anxious to see him so if you follow me I'll take you to him."

Adam and Brian followed the doctor into the recovery room. Peter was so still, Adam felt like he was in his nightmare again and half expected Vallari to tell him his father was dead. But then Peter stirred and he sighed in relief.

"Dad we're here. The doctor told us that the procedure went well and you should expect a full recovery." Adam continued speaking to Peter hoping his father could hear him. He was so happy to know he had is Dad back and he knew together they could protect the family and each other from Vallari. Adam wanted to discuss with Peter what he should do about Windy and what Emit told him. He needed someone to tell him what to do.

As soon as Peter was awake enough to leave the hospital the boys were there to help him. He walked between them, with an arm over each of the boys shoulders so that they could handle his weight easier. Between them they managed to get to the time portal in time to make it back to Appaloosa Plains before the timeline reset.

Generation 1, Chapter 38

Emit was concerned that some catastrophic event occurred in the past. He had to find what that event was before the future finished rewriting itself. At times like this he almost regretted discovering time travel. He knew too much and he was responsible to keep the timeline on track.

As he walked towards his front door, he contemplated the changes that were occurring. They were all related in some way to the technology used in robotics. Then he remembered his stroll through Legacy Park, the legacy statue for the Pioneer in Robotics had changed, in fact it was gone. At the time he hadn't noticed but now it's absence was significant.

Emit stopped to pull up information from the time almanac to see who was supposed to be the Pioneer in Robotics. The name the time almanac provided was Adam Van Winkle. It was his discoveries that all their technology was based on. Emit smiled remembering how he met Adams father, Peter. They had become good friends. He remembered helping Peter with a decision he was struggling with. He pondered for a moment trying to remember what that decision was. Emit recalled that Peter was concerned how his divorce from Vallari would effect the future. There should have been only minimal changes. It had been vital that Peter and Vallari produce Adam and since Adam was already a child there was no concern over his parents becoming divorced. So what happened since, that prevented Adam from pursuing robotics?

As Emit continued to research, he became saddened to learn that Peter, his friend, died of cancer soon after marrying Jean DeGraf. Emit know that Jean and Peter had been destined to meet and he had wanted to tell Peter about her when they discussed his and Vallari's divorce. But he had decided against it letting the future unravel as it should without his help. However the future the almanac had shown then was that Peter and Jean were to live a long, happy life together raising a large happy family. Peter was supposed to be the backbone of the family, the stronghold, the safe haven his kids could go to for guidance and support that helped them all contribute towards the future.

Emit kept searching, seeking information as to what happened, hoping he would learn what could be done to change this timeline. What he found broke his heart. He learned that after Peter's death, Vallari sued for custody and control of the children's inheritance. Despite Peter's will and the court battle, Jean lost the case as the judge ruled in favor of Vallari, feeling that the children would be better off with their birth mother than with their step mother. Peter left each of this children well provided for, along with seeing to it that Jean would have what she needed. If Vallari had used a little common sense the money would have been enough for them to live a comfortable life or she could have left it alone and let the children have it when they turned eighteen. But Vallari neither had common sense or love for her children and spent all the money in a vain attempt to maintain her looks in one plastic surgery after another. Within four years the money was gone.

Adam being the oldest took it upon himself to support the family. Upon graduation he took a full time job in a factory and worked overtime every chance he got. He had tried to take night courses at the local community college but he found he had little energy left to pursue his dreams in robotics and soon dropped all his classes. Sadly Windy, his best friend since childhood abandoned him and moved to Bridgeport in search of a rich husband. After several years of working to put his siblings through school Adam announced his plans to go to university once the twins graduated from high school. Everyone was happy and supportive of Adam, knowing he had sacrificed a lot to give them what they needed.

Vallari on the other hand was trying to find ways to keep Adam at home, taking care of her. Adam however refused to be manipulated stating he had stuck around to ensure his brother and sisters had what they needed. Now that they were moving on and starting their own lives, he was free to start his. As far as Adam cared, Vallari could fall off the face of the earth and no one would miss her. Despite Vallari's advanced age, she was still a force to contend with and she gave Adam her trademark smirk and told Adam that revenge was sweet. Adam had heard her say this all his life and it never meant anything good.

Adam was adamant that he was leaving despite Vallari's attempts to make him stay. He quit his job, loaded up his car with what few possessions he had and waved goodbye to Appaloosa Plains, vowing he would never come back.

Adam never made it to University, the police report read he fell asleep at the wheel and hit a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Emit knew Vallari was responsible for the accident. He wouldn't put it past her; although he doubted her intent was to kill, to maim yes, to punish him for leaving, definitely.

Emit knew he should only go back as far as the car accident, prevent Vallari's sabotage, so that Adam could go on to University and become the Pioneer of Robotics. However he felt the injustice of all that Vallari had put the Van Winkle family through. He wanted to erase the pain they endured because of Peter's death. If he could prevent that, then this whole time line could be corrected. Emit spent days searching the almanac for when the cancer first appeared and his search led him to Vallari.

It began shortly after the divorce was finalized, Vallari was feeling cruelly mistreated. She wanted Peter to suffer the way he was making her suffer. She wanted it to be slow and painful, so she acquired a mild poison. The poison upon ingestion would cause nausea and dizziness, not something that would cause death but would definitely cause discomfort and pain. She wanted to avoid poisoning the entire household, it would cause to much suspicion, so it would have to be done at the lab. Vallari knew one of Peter's lab assistants and knew he would do anything for her. The lab assistant agreed to sprinkle the poison onto Peter's lunch, however he mixed the packet of poison up with a packet of irradiated dust they had been using on lab mice in their work on finding a cure for cancer. When lunch was delivered the assistant sprinkled the irradiated dust onto Peter's sandwich. From that one dose, Peter's cancer began.

Afterwards the assistant went back to work not realizing his mistake until he went to give the lab mice the irradiated dust and found the poison instead. He knew there was nothing he could do about his mistake, so he simply disposed of the poison and when he was done for the day, never came back to work. He moved soon afterwards to another lab in Twinbrooks. Emit thought if he had only confessed, Peter might have had a chance, he would have known what was happening and sought help sooner. Better yet, if Vallari had an ounce of goodness in her she wouldn't have asked someone to poison her ex-husband.

Emit knew he could go back in time, prevent the poisoning and this whole sequence of events would be erased. However if he did that Peter would never meet Jean, who would never move to Appaloosa Plains to fill the position of lab assistant. It had been her concern for Peter's well being that caused her to seek him out when she noticed he had left the meeting. If he changed that one horrible act, then another set of variables would take over and Peter would die a lonely old man not ever having take the chance on love again. Effecting his children's attitude towards love and commitment, bouncing from one ruined relationship to another, never settling down and essentially the Van Winkle family line would die out. There had to be another solution. 

As Emit sought a solution to help Peter. Peter's time was fast running out. He was no longer able to continue his work at the lab, growing too weak and tired he needed to rest frequently through out the day. However he continued to hope for a miracle and worked on this notes he took from the Science lab so that he could continue his research at home. He knew he was close but he feared he was missing something and the chemotherapy he was on was affecting his ability to remember things, so he often found himself repeating experiments. He knew he had to continue, his work may one day help someone else, even if it was too late to help himself. He wasn't ready to give up, even if his body was losing the battle.