The Children Who Time Lost by Marvin Amazon Page B

if she knew my whole life.”
    “You know what?” Monique said. “Mine, too.”
    I stared at her, dumbfounded. “You mean you saw her as well?”
    “Of course I did. Mine wore a black dress.”
    “Mine wore purple,” I said.
    Amelia shook her head. “Mine wore blue.”
    I frowned at the floor. Previous winners were forbidden from ever mentioning what they saw in the future, but there were whispers. This woman who could replicate herself, however, had never been mentioned in any of them.
    Monique tapped my shoulder. “You okay?”
    I nodded. “I think she was just a program, probably a form of Kyso in this place. It sounds like every one of them could read what we were all thinking and feeling.”
    We didn’t speak for a few minutes. Whispers filled the room. I saw the worry and anxiety on the faces of many.
    “This place gives me the creeps,” Amelia said.
    A humming sound tore through the room, and I saw every woman covering her ears. Then a deep male voice was heard. It seemed to be coming from the ceiling. “Welcome, ladies. On behalf of the Worldwide Lotto, 2108 welcomes you.”
    “I still can’t believe it,” Amelia said, giggling. “We’re really in 2108.”
    A number of women on our chair frowned in our direction. Amelia licked her lips and stopped talking.
    “We gave you the opportunity to acquire great wealth,” the voice continued, “but you have done something else. You’ve all opted to provide a home and a family to a child. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you of the necessity to make that child feel loved and appreciated. That all of you turned down the money you did to be here means that you already know.
    “Before I start getting into specifics, I feel it is necessary that I discuss the rules. You have already read the policy of the Lotto, but due to the severe implications if they are broken, I feel it’s my duty to repeat them.”
    He stopped talking for a moment and silence filled the room. I met stares from women on my chair and others around the room. Some looked scared and nervous. I fixed my gaze on an empty corner of the room.
    “The first rule, ladies, is that you’re not really here, metaphorically speaking. The floor you stand on is beyond your actual existence. You are here for a specific purpose, and that purpose is not to marvel at technological advancement or the way of life sixty-five years from your time. You’re simply here to take your children home.
    “You are forbidden from revealing anything you see here. You are forbidden to discuss it among yourselves once you return to your time. The Lotto organizers will know breaches of these rules in your time. And the punishment will not be pleasant. When interviewed on your return, you must only answer what you are asked. Revealing any information—even mistakenly—that could violate your oath will be taken as a breach, and you shall be punished.
    “We expect that you will be overcome by joy and satisfaction. These emotions are natural, and you may discuss these things.” He paused. “I will now talk about what happens from here. I’m sure you all considered your encounter with the blond woman strange. Don’t worry, you all saw her. Porsche’s task was simply to match you with a child, and also to determine which of you weren’t fit to be a mother. She knew the answer to your questions before she asked them. As expected, some of you lied, but that doesn’t mean you’re not fit to be mothers. On the contrary, it could mean you’re willing to do whatever it takes to be one. Whether that’s good or bad is not my decision, but a decision has been made. I will now read from two separate lists. If your name is on the first list, you shall not be taking a child home with you today.”
    Gasps filled the room. Each woman looked into the eyes of those next to them, some with open mouths. I remained still and focused on the man’s words.
    “Instead, Porsche will return and escort you back to the portal. You shall