The Time Machine

Jackie’s eyes scanned the panel of buttons.

14 .. 15 .. 17 .. 18

She pressed 17, and watched the numbers blink across the top of the panel. When 15 had blinked off, and before 17 blinked on, she yanked on the emergency stop.

Pulling open the doors, she saw a wood paneled hallway and was surrounded by the smell of old hickory. Stepping out, and into the past, she didn’t notice the elevator doors fade into shadow.