Neo brought his hands to his face and gave two quick slaps.
The sharp sound echoed in the room.
Nothing changed.
He already knew.
This wasn't a dream.
— It's bizarre… but it's real. I… went to the future.
He took a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts.
— And maybe… I can go to the past too.
Desperation hit suddenly.
I missed so many tests…
But the thought didn't last.
Neo raised his arm and stared at the watch.
— But this… this doesn't matter anymore.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
For a moment. Just one.
Then it vanished.
The image of the man returned to his mind.
— That guy… — he murmured. — Was he me from the future? Or something like that?
His chest tightened.
— What happened to him…? Will it happen to me?
The phrase echoed in his head.
"Maybe this time you can."
— What did you mean by that…? — Neo whispered. — "Can"? Can what?
Silence answered.
But something had changed.
The fear in his eyes faded, giving way to something else.
Determination.
— He… was counting on me.
Neo clenched his fist.
— I can't ignore this.
Maybe this was his only chance.
To finally do something right.
— Then… I need to find him.
He stared at the watch with resolve.
— I need to discover my purpose.