Disappointment, shock, and jealousy were etched plainly on John's face. His features, usually animated with determination or a mischievous smile, were now drawn into a mask of subdued anguish. He sat near the center of the dimly lit room, the flickering light from the fireplace casting long shadows across his form. Staring at the floor with vacant eyes, John seemed lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, each one more tumultuous than the last.
Gertrude, ever perceptive to the emotions swirling around her, noticed the shift in John's demeanor immediately. Concern etched on her brow, she watched him intently; her eyes locked on the man from the future. She was still silent, giving her a moment to collect her thoughts before speaking.
"John," Gertrude began softly, "you don't have to worry. As I've said before, alternate universes can vary significantly from one another."