The day I was born, my timer was set at eighteen years and one hour. The count down until a major event in my life. Everyone is born with them. It's just a rule of nature.

Some people have countdowns until they meet the person of their dreams. Other people are less fortunate and their countdowns end at a death in the family. There are many other events that can change the person's life. They may fight against letting it change them, but in doing that, they help it change themselves.

There is no way to come back from that final experience unchanged.

Anyway, now my timer is officially down to four hours. And honestly, I couldn't be more nervous

It's afternoon, and I am at Starbucks getting some plain old iced coffee. I at least want one more normal drink before my life is changed. At least one more.

"Kate," My thoughts are interrupted by the barista, and I am snapped back to reality.

I look up from where I had apparently been staring at my timer, and register the iced coffee waiting on the counter.

Walking forward quickly, I pick it up, giving the guy a shaky smile, "Thanks," I say, noting all his features. Black, curly hair. Bright blue eyes. Ready smile.

Glancing at my timer, I'm disappointed that this wasn't the major event in my life. Oh well, at least I didn't really expect it anyway.

"You okay?" The guy asks, noting my obviously out of sorts demeanor.

"Sorry." I give a painful smile, and hold up my wrist where the timer is attached, "Today's the day,"

"Ah." He grins, "Too bad it isn't now, huh?"

I blush hard, and suddenly, I hear a whirring noise, and then something clinks onto the floor.

Looking at the guy, I can see that now he is blushing. I am kind of confused as he fumbles around, clutching his wrist, "Ah, well, my name's, um, Dylan." He scratches the back of his head, awkwardly, "Hope you have a nice day. And come back some time,"

I smile, "I hope I do too,"

He turns around and crouches down, picking something up from the floor and then quickly walks away.

Suddenly, I realize what just happened. His timer just went off. When he met me. And I blush slightly again.

Picking up my coffee, I leave the Starbucks and climb into my car. Putting the keys into the ignition, I turn them, bringing the car to life.

Taking a deep breath, I put my foot on the gas pedal and drive towards the library. I also want to just relax in the library before my life is changed drastically.

When I pulled into the parking lot and parked the car, my timer was down to three hours.

I climb out of the car and lock it behind me. Walking quickly, I go inside the library, coffee in hand.

The librarian smiles, welcoming me, and I nod back, heading over to the book shelves. I grab a book that looks interesting and sit down in a chair. As I open the fist page, the real world slowly ceases to exist, and I am enveloped in the book.

Before I knew it, I had finished the book, as well as it's sequel. Sighing in contentment at the happy ending, I checked my timer. My heart gave me a jolt as I read it. Thirty minutes left.

Standing up, I pick up my coffee, which was untouched due to the fact that I was reading, and take a sip. I appreciate it as it slides down my dry throat, and leave the library, climbing in the car.

I start the car and drive out of the parking lot, headed home. Maybe I am just overreacting to this whole thing. Maybe it won't be life-devastating. But somewhere in the back of my mind, I don't believe it.

My stomach clenches nervously. I don't even know how I know that, and I desperately try to tell myself that it isn't certain. It can't be. How would I know?

But that red warning light in the back of my mind persists.

I push the brakes at a red light and check my timer again. Twenty-five minutes.

Relax. Take a sip of iced coffee. Smile.

This last part is much more difficult than it seems, and it comes out more like a grimace, or a wavering line.

I shake my head to clear it, throwing my short red curls around, and press on the gas pedal, accelerating because the light is green. Or I should say has been green for a little while. Which explains all the honking behind me.

My grip on the steering wheel is iron because I am so nervous and upset.

I drive for several minutes before my phone rings. My heart pounds as I look at my timer. It's down to one minute. How did time past so fast? Swallowing hard, I pull the car over to the side of the road. I shouldn't be driving when I hear the news.

With shaky hands, I reach for my phone and answer it, "H-hello? This is Kate." My voice is shaky, and I don't even try to steady it.

"Kate," the voice on the other end is quiet. Subdued.

The man on the other end takes a deep breath, "Your family..."

No. Please. This can't involve them.

There is a few seconds of silence before he finishes his sentence, "They were killed."

My mind is completely numb, and I don't even notice the phone slipping from my hand and falling to the floor.

Gone...

My timer hisses and clicks, falling to the floor.

Gone...

*note, I do not take credit for the whole timer idea. I found it on Pinterest, and it inspired me to write this for a type of contest awhile back.*

So, thank you Ithildae, for telling me that this chapter was blank for a long time after I had published it! XD So, here is the actual story. :)

<>Evara<>