In Memorium – Year 6738
Zack and Maggie stepped away from the time portal, to be wrapped in luxurious, flowing robes by the attendants who were ready for them. "Welcome back, sir…ma'am. Did you enjoy your trip?"
Zack nodded silently, while Maggie answered, "Yes, it was a lovely visit. We'll be sure to tell our story tonight, during share time in the history parlor." The attendants smiled in response, then stepped away to attend to other time travelers.
With their arms linked, Zack and Maggie slowly traversed the hallway to their private quarters.
"I wish I could have convinced them to come," Zack murmured.
Maggie commiserated, "I know darling. But, you know how Edward feels about his family…and his humanity."
Zack sighed in frustration, "Yeah…but, we could have transformed them seamlessly, painlessly, with no ill effects. They could have lived here with us forever!"
The two of them quietly considered the events of the past few weeks, as they had visited with Bella and Edward. They had explained the new process of vampire transformation, making it clear that things were much easier now – no pain during transition, no hunger for human blood, no need to create a false identity. But, Edward could not be convinced. His heart was committed to being a normal human, with a normal life, with Bella and his family. Bella had shown interest in what Zack had recommended, but her allegiance was with her husband. They had been through so much in their lives, and they just wanted to relax in their time period, with their children and grandchildren – naturally.
Leaving them behind was the hardest thing Zack had done in centuries.
"Come on, Zack. Let's go look at the prom memorial. Maybe that will cheer you up."
Stepping out on their balcony, they looked outside to see the gazebo, which was surrounded by several visitors. A hologram of Edward and Bella were dancing in the gazebo, while "Flightless Bird" played from the sound system. Bella's feet were on top of Edward's, as he carried her and slowly circled the platform. Taking a long, deep breath, Zack closed his eyes, and hummed along with the tune. Maggie rested her forehead against his chest, and wrapped her arms around his back. Together, they danced along with Zack's parents, remembering…