Before dawn on what would become a hot, steamy Berlin summer day. We approached the Brandenburg Gate on foot, dodging multiple lines of traffic, as the sun blearily rose through the haze.

Would we get through the Brandenburg Tor? Would Checkpoint Charlie have been a better choice for the crossing? Would the Stasi be waiting for us?

I turned to Bernie. “Don’t be concerned,” I said. “That’s all on a different timeline. There’s absolutely nothing to worry about.” Famous last words. Welcome to Biff’s world.

Original blog story with the image (2018); Inspiration: Bernie Gunther series.