Asynchronous

By Cedrick Cabaluna

Jet lag is described as a sleep problem phenomenon which occurs when one person traverses multiple time zones in a short span of time, thus disrupting the natural circadian rhythm and internal body clock of a person. 

In certain cases, however, it can distort one’s perception of time altogether. 

What they forgot to mention in the airport is that passengers are to board a time displacement machine. It does not only travel through space, but also time. It seems that the further the place of destination is (say, from Manila to London), the greater the time dilation that occurs. 

Upon alighting the time displacement machine, a frigid breeze alien to me fiercely caressed my face. Here I am, setting foot on a foreign land which might as well be Mars as far as I am concerned. Everything is different. In making comparisons, words fail. Here, I am no longer me. I left myself back home—but where is home again? I am. 

Messages on my phone blur. The calls are barely audible. The meanings, indiscernible. Everything else seems to be like whispers from a dream I had years ago. The ornamental piece strapped around my wrist becomes devoid of meaning. What only exists now is what is in front of me. Designated deadlines no longer matter. The date no longer matters. Everything else no longer matters. I have been displaced out of my own timeline. The time-travel jaunt was a success. I am no longer in the here and now. I am in the Here and Now.

And upon leaving, I am certain: I will be there, yet still here.