Pages Between Us

Hey Jamie,

I don’t know why I signed up for this pen pal thing, but here we are. You’re my first letter in this experiment, so congrats, you win absolutely nothing (except my terrible handwriting, sorry in advance). Anyway, my name is Alex Carter, I’m 20, currently suffering through college, and trying to balance my part-time job with my overwhelming need to do absolutely nothing productive.

What about you? What do you do for a living? Any hobbies? Honestly, I signed up for this because I thought it would be cool to talk to someone outside of my usual bubble. And I guess I’ve always liked the idea of handwritten letters—kind of old school, right?

Oh, by the way, tell me a random fact about yourself. Something weird or unexpected.

Looking forward to your reply.

—Alex

Hey Alex,

Old school? Please, handwritten letters are basically an endangered species at this point. I respect the effort, though. Also, don’t worry about the handwriting—mine is somehow worse, which is saying a lot.

Anyway, I’m Jamie Reynolds. I’m 30, a freelance writer, which means I work from home, drink too much coffee, and have existential crises at least twice a week. Exciting stuff.

A random fact? Hm. I once met someone who swore they saw a UFO, and I still kind of believe them.

What about you? What’s something weird about you? And where in the world would you want to visit if you could?

Looking forward to hearing back.

—Jamie

Hey Jamie,

Alright, I have to ask—what do you mean by “basically an endangered species at this point”? You make it sound like no one writes anymore. People still write, right?

Anyway, a weird fact about me? I have an irrational fear of vending machines. I saw one fall on a guy once, and now I just don’t trust them.

As for where I’d want to visit? I’ve always wanted to visit Japan. Something about Tokyo just seems alive in a way no other place does, you know?

 You?

Also, what kind of writing do you do? Books? Journalism?

—Alex

Hey Alex,

Okay, I have to say it—your vending machine fear is hilarious and also completely valid. Those things are weirdly aggressive.

Tokyo is a great choice! I actually went there once years ago. Amazing city, but definitely overwhelming. If you go, avoid Shibuya Crossing during rush hour—it’s pure chaos.

And about my writing, I do a little of everything. Articles, blogs, the occasional attempt at a novel that never sees the light of day. Nothing glamorous.

By the way, did you see that insane game last night? The Bears' comeback in the final minutes? Loosing 0-17 only to win the game 24-17! Unbelievable.

Talk soon.

—Jamie

Hey Jamie,

Wait… what game are you talking about? I checked the sports highlights and didn’t see anything like that. Maybe we’re not talking about the same team? Or maybe it’s some obscure league I’ve never heard of?

Also, you said you went to Tokyo years ago? How long ago was that? I swear, the way you talk, it’s like you’re from the future or something.

Talk soon.

—Alex

Hey Alex,

Okay, you’re messing with me, right? The game was everywhere. You’re seriously telling me you didn’t see it?

And yeah, I went to Tokyo… let’s see… ten years ago? God, that makes me feel old. You ever get that feeling that time moves way too fast?

Anyway, tell me what’s new with you.

—Jamie

Jamie,

Wait. Wait. You said you went to Tokyo ten years ago? But you said you’re 30. That would mean you went when you were 20, right? In 2014? But… it is 2014.

Jamie, what year do you think it is?

—Alex

Alex,

I don’t know how to answer that. Are you joking, or are you serious? Because if you’re serious… we have a huge problem.

—Jamie

Jamie,

I swear, I’m not messing with you. I’m staring at the calendar right now. It’s 2014.

If you’re telling the truth… how is this happening? How are we even writing to each other?

—Alex

Alex,

I don’t know. I really don’t. But if this is real… maybe we can use this. Maybe I can help you.

There are things you could do with the right knowledge. Money. Security. A future that could be anything you want.

Here’s what I want you to do. If this really works, if our letters are truly crossing time, then write these down and follow them exactly:

Sports Betting:

Super Bowl 50 (2016) – Bet on the Denver Broncos.

World Series 2016 – The Cubs will finally break the curse. Put everything on them.

2019 NBA Finals – Toronto Raptors will beat the Warriors. Huge upset.

Lottery Jackpots:

Powerball, January 13, 2016 – Winning numbers: 4, 8, 19, 27, 34 (PB: 10). No one will win alone, but this is still huge.

Mega Millions, October 23, 2018 – Winning numbers: 5, 28, 62, 65, 70 (MB: 5). This is a $1.5 billion jackpot. Play it.

Powerball, November 7, 2022 – Winning numbers: 10, 33, 41, 47, 56 (PB: 10). This will be the biggest single-ticket win in history. That ticket should be yours.

Stocks to Invest In:

Amazon (AMZN) – Buy as much as you can in 2014 and hold until 2023.

Tesla (TSLA) – Buy in early 2020, sell mid-2021 when it skyrockets.

Netflix (NFLX) – Buy in 2014, sell in 2021 before it dips.

Cryptocurrency:

Bitcoin (BTC) – Buy as much as you can right now. It’s dirt cheap. By 2021, it will be worth over $60,000 per coin.

Ethereum (ETH) – Invest in 2015, hold until 2021.

Dogecoin (DOGE) – Buy in 2020, sell after Elon Musk hypes it in 2021.

But if we do this, I have one condition.

Meet me.

Ten years from now.

Central Park, New York City. Meet me on the third bench near the Bethesda Fountain at sunset.

If you’re really there, I’ll know this worked.

—Jamie

Jamie,

This is crazy. But I believe you.

I’ll do it.

And I’ll be there.

—Alex