[written in stiff, blocky letters in an attempt to disguise his handwriting.]

[full_score]

What would you do if you found a younger version of one of your parents here?Do you stay away from them in order to reduce the chances of causing a time paradox

Comments

[Anon, same handwriting as the OP's]

[full_score]

What do you mean? How could it be anyone else if they look the same as you remember them, have the same name, and come from the same "universe" as you?

[strike-outs hastily written]

[full_score]

But that's I don't Are you

You mean people can clone memories, too!? How is that even possible??

It seems like kind of a stretch to assume he's a clone, doesn't it?

[There is a noticeable ink blot at the tip of the "c", as if the pen had been pressed there for a moment before that word was written.]

[Anonymous, randomly switching writing styles every few words]

[mind_the_sukima]

See if you can become your own father/mother. It will baffle scientists and philosophers for YEARS!

[Anon]

[full_score]

You know, I don't even want to think about the implications behind that.

[mizuhomaiden]

That's not funny, you know.

[grosse_sklaven]

It... depends on what your relationship with your parents are. I can't give you very good advice, but there are two things I can say. Firstly, it seems like we all come from different points in our own time lines, the implication of which would indicate that 'fate' plays out the same way despite what happens here. Why that might be is a question I can't answer, but I doubt there would be anything like a time paradox.

Secondly, you have to ask yourself how you'd feel if something did happen to them, regardless of how that might impact your future self. Once you've determined that, the question will probably answer itself.
-Adel

[strike-outs illegible.]

[full_score]

So, even if we wanted to, we'd be unable to change how the future plays out? I guess I can see where you're coming from, now that you mention it...but it's sort of depressing to think about, too. I wonder if that's

Well, I'd feel awful if something happened to them! I don't think I could ever forgive myself. I still haven't I have to keep them safe somehow, there's no question about that. But I don't know telling them flat-out I'm their kid would be the best idea, either. Would they even believe me?

Either way, I guess keeping my distance won't necessarily be doing myself any favors.

Thanks for helping me put that into perspective a little bit.

Re: [strike-outs illegible.]

[grosse_sklaven]

That's the only explanation I can come up with, assuming that the clone theory isn't correct. I can't entirely deny that, either.

I don't know if they would believe you were their child or not, but perhaps you should consider telling the truth anyway. It's obvious that this is a large issue for you, and with that being the case, it's only a matter of time before it comes out anyway.
-Adel

[full_score]

Ugh, clones. Just one more thing for us to worry about, right?

I wonder how you'd even go about breaking that sort of news to someone. And if it'd just wind up making the situation worse than anything else. But you're right...it's possible it'll come out on its own, whether I want it to or not. Probably better they hear it from me than someone else.

Plus there's the fact that What if he asks about Guess I'll have to play things by ear.

[piggy_king]

Staying away makes the most sense, obviously. I mean, you're here now, aren't you? That clearly means that your parents get out of here okay and they have you. There's no point in risking your life to defend someone who might as well be guaranteed to escape safely.

[full_score]

But how do I know that for sure? What if I'm still here because nothing's happened to them yet? Or maybe they're around because I help them in the future?

And anyway, it's not just a matter of whether to risk my life or not -- I'd do that in a heartbeat regardless. I'm just wondering if all of this would only wind up being an extra burden on them if I interacted with them too much.

[piggy_king]

Trust me on this one. I have enough experience with time travel to know that you'll be fine. This sort of thing has happened to me more times than I can count, and every time I've wound up fine.

[full_score]

Wow, so you're a time traveler? I guess it's good to know that I'm not in too much danger of screwing things up, but...does that mean it's impossible to change how the future plays out?

[16hitmagnum]

Tell him not to use too much shampoo or else he'll go bald in the future.

[full_score]

That's...sort of the least of my worries right now. Not to mention my father doesn't go bald in the future anyway.

[16hitmagnum]

Then what's wrong? Go meet the old man.

[anon]

[full_score]

It's a little more complicated than that. I've met him, but he has no idea who I am...