A Message from 2031

As the school bell rang, it was finally the end of Monday. I took my phone out and plugged my earphones in. I got on the bus, hurried to sit alone and closed my eyes for a rest.

In the fluent, soft music, a sharp sound of a message stood out even more. My eyes suddenly snapped open. There was a message: “DON’T GO TO SUNNYMART – YOU FROM 2031.” It was from an unknown number. I thought it was a trick, at least for that moment. I didn’t plan to go to any supermarket, but who was trying to trick me then? Whatever. After a whole day of studying, I just wanted to go back home and have a relaxing bath. I tried to throw all the thoughts away from me. I closed my eyes again. However, the thoughts still lingered in my mind, preventing me from settling down. I opened my eyes. I had to find the prankster out.

Coincidentally, as I opened my eyes, Sunnymart came into my view. Was it really a coincidence? Without time to think, I grabbed my bag and quickly pressed the stop button. It was just the right time. I ran off the bus, and looked at the position of Sunnymart. The freezing wind stung my skin, making me shiver. I instantly felt more awake. I couldn’t believe I was actually trying to outsmart someone who claimed to be me from five years in the future. I stared at Sunnymart at the bus stop for ten more minutes, trying to find a suspicious person.

However, predictably, nothing happened: no earthquake, no fire, no terrorist attack, not even a theft. I felt a surge of anger at being played, along with regret for wasting so much time on this stupid trick.

Another message was sent from that number: “Now you believe what I said right? Remember, DO NOT GO TO SCHOOL tomorrow.” I felt angrier than before.

“Haven’t you given up your stupid trick? Nothing happened!!” I typed. After sending this message, the person at the other side of this chat replied nothing. They must have felt panicked after I exposed them.

When I arrived home, I felt my pocket. Where’s my purse!? It was such a bad day; I was tricked by an unknown person and I lost my purse. In my confusion, a new message was sent to me. I picked up my phone, thinking that I should block the number that made me unlucky as soon as possible. After seeing its words, I froze.

“I told you not to go to Sunnymart because I knew you would lose your purse there. Now, you should decide if you are going to school tomorrow or not. It’s up to you. But don’t complain about the result, I already told you.”