CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE - The Past Returns

Mason chuckled. "My mother was an art teacher. She used to drag me to museums every chance she got. I complained at the time, but I guess some of it stuck." "What does she think of your tech career?" A shadow passed over Mason's face. "She passed away before I started my company. Cancer. But I like to think she'd be proud." Claire reached out, squeezing his hand gently. "I'm sure she would be." They moved on, wandering through the vast halls of the museum. As they stood before Winged Victory, Claire found herself mesmerized by the graceful lines of the ancient sculpture. "It's incredible," she breathed. "To think this has survived for over two thousand years." Mason nodded, his eyes fixed on the statue. "It makes you wonder, doesn't it? What will survive of our civilization two thousand years from now?" "Hopefully not our Twitter feeds," Claire quipped, earning a laugh from Mason. "God, I hope not. Although..." He trailed off, lost in thought. "Although what?" Mason turned to