Agent Johnson peered at the schoolyard through his scope. The year was 1898, and Adolf nine years old. Paradox researchers said it was the best time.
He spotted the face familiar from his briefing and removed the safety. His finger trembled on the trigger. Killing a child was difficult, no matter that the moustache and the hair were unmistakable.
Wait a minute. How would any kid have a toothbrush moustache? Johnson hesitated. If he might be delusional, maybe he should abort the mission.
The safety clicked back on. Back in the present, Dennis from next door lived to see another day.
Great!!
This hints at the plot from The Boys From Brazil, by Ira Levin.
Oh my God, this is intense!
Really intriguing premise – nice work! However, can anyone explain the significance of the last sentence?
I think the shooter is delusional; in his mind he is a time traveller whose mission is to kill Hitler as a boy, in reality the boy is his neighbour. That’s how I read it. Great story!
Thank you, that makes sense. Yes – clever story.
Yes, I’m puzzled by last sentence too.
Last sentence, is that a reference to Dennis the Menace and his milk moustache? Keep up the good work in perplexing those that want to analyze everything. A good story is a good story and, yours, works from start to finish.
Interesting story well done.
I’m going with you taking the piss on this one with Dennis being the real menace. It was fun.