I Bought a Time Machine

Yeon Park's eyes sparkled as she browsed online marketplaces, scouring for the perfect gift for her father's birthday. It was a milestone celebration, marking a year since his passing, and she was determined to make it special. As she scrolled through eBay, her eyes landed on an unusual listing: a time machine. At first, she thought it was a mock sale, a prank designed to attract laughs and attention. However, as she read through the description and specifications, her curiosity piqued. The seller claimed to have built a fully functional time machine, capable of transporting individuals to any point in the past. While it seemed far-fetched, Yeon couldn't help but be intrigued. She had always been fascinated by her family's history, and this could be the key to unraveling some of the mysteries surrounding her parents' past. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, Yeon decided to place a bid on the time machine. As the auction closed, and the seller accepted her offer, she felt a sense of trepidation. What if it didn't work? What if it was just a hunk of junk? After waiting for what felt like an eternity, the time machine arrived, and Yeon's father-in-law, a seasoned electronics expert, took it apart to examine its inner workings. His verdict was surprisingly positive – it seemed to be a legitimate time machine, though he cautioned that it required a specific set of coordinates to function correctly. Yeon's first attempt was to travel back to her parents' wedding day. She set the coordinates, closed her eyes, and pressed the button. As she opened her eyes, she found herself standing in a bustling street, surrounded by the sights and sounds of her childhood. Her parents, younger and full of life, walked hand-in-hand towards her. As she observed them, Yeon noticed something peculiar. Her parents seemed...unhappy. They exchanged brief words, but their body language screamed of tension. Her mother's eyes seemed downcast, her father's smile forced. It was a stark contrast to the loving, peaceful couple she remembered. Intrigued, Yeon decided to probe further. She started by observing her parents' conversations, learning about their aspirations, fears, and dreams. As she eavesdropped, she began to grasp the extent of their unhappiness. Her father had always been a devoted provider, but her mother's artistic ambitions were stifled by societal expectations. As the day wore on, Yeon found herself increasingly drawn to the past. She began to communicate with her parents, offering words of encouragement and advice. Her father, grateful for her presence, shared his struggles with balancing work and family. Her mother, sensing a kindred spirit, began to open up about her artistic aspirations. Their conversations, though fleeting, had a profound impact on Yeon. She gained a deeper understanding of her family's history, the choices they made, and the consequences that followed. The time machine had unlocked a door to her past, allowing her to connect with her parents on a level she never thought possible. As she returned to the present, Yeon felt a sense of closure, but also a newfound sense of purpose. She realized that her parents' struggles were not just about them but also about her own future. Their experiences, successes, and failures had shaped her into the person she was today. Over the coming weeks, Yeon returned to the time machine, visiting various points in her family's past. Each journey, though brief, deepened her connection to her heritage. She met her ancestors, learned about their struggles and triumphs, and gained a profound appreciation for the sacrifices they made. In these intimate moments, Yeon began to realize the true power of communication. It wasn't about the technology but about the connections we make with others, whether they're living or long gone. The time machine, as a mediation tool, allowed her to transcend time itself, fostering empathy and understanding. As the days passed, Yeon's father-in-law noticed a significant change in her. She seemed more confident, more compassionate, and more in tune with her family's history. He attributed it to the time machine, but in truth, it was the connections she made that had transformed her. In the end, Yeon's decision to buy a time machine, though unconventional, proved to be a life-changing experience. It showed her that technology, in the right hands, could be a powerful tool for communication, bridging the gap between past and present.