Draft of Time's Ripple
In the quiet of his study, Jack adjusted the time dial on his antique clock. A soft hum filled the air as he pushed it to 1920. The room began to shimmer and within seconds, he found himself standing in the bustling streets of New York City. As a historian, he had always known that altering history was fraught with consequences, but now he faced this temptation head-on. His mission: prevent a tragic accident that had claimed countless lives.
With every step, Jack felt the weight of his decision. He approached the crowd gathered around the corner, where a group of men in tattered coats huddled together. The air was thick with tension. Suddenly, Jack saw a flash-someone fell to the ground, clutching their chest. Before he could react, the man's lifeless body lay still.
Returning home, Jack examined his hands for any changes, but found none. He poured over his notes and theories, convinced that changing one event would ripple through time. Yet, days passed with no noticeable effects. Pessimism set in; had his efforts been futile?
One night, as he stared at the stars, a faint signal appeared-his clock was sending him back to 1920. This time, Jack knew what he must do. He watched from afar until the crucial moment arrived. With a deep breath, he stepped forward and gently nudged the man to safety. Time paused for a moment before resuming its course.
Back in his study, Jack smiled as he noticed subtle differences in the world around him. The accident had indeed been prevented, but at what cost? Each change brought new challenges, and Jack realized that history was not just written by events but by individuals like himself who dared to make a difference.
Draft Review of Time's Ripple
Great start! The narrative flow and coherence are strong. However, consider adding more detail to Jack's internal conflict about the moral implications of changing history. This could enhance character development. Also, perhaps include a small foreshadowing hint in the final paragraph about the consequences of his actions to maintain suspense.