Pulse

It was a mistake to look back … then again it was a mistake to look forward too. When I was struck by lightning while playing golf, I found I woke up with the ability to travel in time. That's when I became Pulse.

Looking back in time proved too hard, going back, not wishing to risk changing anything in case it led to me not having my power … after all, a butterfly flapping its wings …

Of course I used my powers to help give myself a comfortable life … but one day a thought crossed my mind, and I couldn’t shake it. How do I die? And can I avoid it? So I travelled far enough into the future where I was sure I would be dead from natural causes if nothing else. I found a library, and had to bluff my way into getting the young girl that worked there to help me access the public records of births, deaths, and marriages. I searched for my name …

"Eric Cartwright"

The results pinged up. I couldn’t believe it! That’s how I die! I have to change that! Just this one major thing, I can change …

So I went back … months earlier, and tracked down the person who killed me. She seemed harmless and innocent, a primary school teacher, Mary Sinclair. Following her until I found my chance …

I found her standing at the edge of a cliff after a hike, enjoying the vista. Something primal took over, a need to ensure my survival.

She turned. I smiled … and I kicked her off the cliff.

I can’t be killed by someone who'll no longer be at the subway that day.

Looking down to confirm, I saw her broken body … and smiled wider.