Charlie Bianchi

 Dear Friend,

If you are reading this then you decided to at least consider using the machine. It also means that I decided to trust you with this important secret. It is funny because I'm writing this now thinking back to when I decided to trust the person who told me about this secret. Two more big decisions you will have to make for yourself, like I did, and everyone did whose letter's you will read after mine, is whether to use the machine, and who will be the friend you decide to share this secret with. 

You do have a choice if you use it or not because you aren't required to change anything. It won't haunt you in your dreams, or call to you one day. It just gives you the choice to change something you regret, but it isn't all powerful. The machine has limitations, or rules if you will. There is no order to the rules, but one of them is this; writing a letter of your own explaining your choices, and what you experience. 

One rule is that you can't go back to anytime prior to when you were born; it won't allow you to. Another rule is that you can't stop someone from dying that was supposed to die. From all the past letters that you will read after mine, no one knows how it knows, or how it works, but it just does. Once you put on the helmet you will just understand. 

One thing about humans that we all share at one point or another is regret. We all have something that we did, said, or even didn't say that we regret. After my friend told me about this machine I thought long and hard about my life over the years, and everything that I've done, and after reading everyone's letter I knew what I wanted to change.

First, I used the machine to see if this change would be allowed, and after seeing all the outcomes, which you will experience yourself if you choose to use it, I made my change. I have to say thinking back now after using the machine, and having the new memories, I am glad I made my change.

 

Another rule is that if you decide to use the machine, you have to explain your change, so here we go. My biggest regret wasn't anything life altering like hurting someone, or doing something bad, but not saying goodbye to my parents when I knew it was time. What I mean is that I never truly knew what I wanted to do with my life career wise. I had many jobs over the years, but nothing that helped me in the long run. 

My parents were there for me every step of the way encouraging me, and supporting me any way they could. When I finally did find a job that I enjoyed I started at the bottom, but worked my butt off to get to the top. I did get there eventually, but I lost sight of things that should have been more important. It started out small where I would miss a holiday here or there, to where work became my life entirely. When my parents got sick I knew in the back of my mind that I needed to go see them, but at this point my job had consumed me that I just ignored it. Soon enough I received the call that I should come by, and say my goodbyes, but I didn't. My job was my life, and nothing else mattered except completing my next task, and keeping my company's numbers at the top. Soon enough I got the call no one wants to receive, but everyone does with someone they love, and at first it didn't affect me. I just kept working. Then after a little time everything just hit me like nothing else before, and I just broke down. 

 

I thought about everything that led me to that point, and where I went wrong. It took me years to forgive myself for what I did, and I thought it was done until my friend, Henry, knew what I went through, and decided to trust me with the secret of the machine. For my regret I'm glad he shared this secret with me because I now have the memories of myself saying goodbye to my parents, and how that improved my life by so much. I still have the job that consumed me, but I now make sure that everyone makes time for themselves, and their loved ones. Money is important, but the one thing that I learned from seeing my life through this machine is that there are far more important things in life that we can't lose sight of.

I don't know what your regret is my friend, or if you will change it or not, but that is your choice. I know that if I told you about this secret I thought it would help you just like Henry did for me. So after you read the rest of the letters I wish you luck in your choice, and enjoy the experience regardless because no matter what you decide it is definitely a fun ride. You will see what I mean soon enough. That is all I have for you with my story, and I wish you the best in yours.

Your Friend,

Charlie Bianchi