Turn backward, o time!

"Turn Backward, O Time!" by Walter Kubilius is a science fiction story set in the future, chronicling Donovan's quest to flee from the oppressive rules of the 25th century by journeying back to the early 1900s. Burdened by strict controls on rejuvenation and the constant threat of the Criminal Destroyers, Donovan yearns to evade society's grip and recapture his lost youth through forbidden time travel. Navigating dangers and the weight of his decisions, he embarks on a risky voyage to the past, seeking to start anew as an artist. However, his newfound existence is overshadowed by the constant dread of exposure. A dark twist shows him slowly losing his memories, and eventually himself, because of the rejuvenation attempts. The story crescendos to a haunting ending as Donovan crosses paths with Edel W. Crane, an agent of the C.D., underscoring the hopelessness of his flight from his original era.