The Neutron family's car slowly advanced along the rural road towards the house they had rented for their stay in this village. It was an isolated property, surrounded by green fields and gentle hills stretching as far as the eye could see. As they entered the neighborhood, the sky turned gray, covered with heavy clouds that threatened to burst into a storm.
Jimmy, sitting next to his mother Judy in the back seat, observed the landscape without much enthusiasm. He didn't like being away from his lab, and even less under a storm. Suddenly, a small drop hit the car window, followed by another and another. Within minutes, the rain began to pour heavily.
"It looks like we have more rainy days ahead," Jimmy commented, not taking his eyes off the glass as if he were analyzing the fall of the drops. "With my advanced technology, I could eliminate the rain here in the blink of an eye. That would make the vacation better, I think."
Judy lifted her eyes from the map she had been reviewing and looked at him with a nervous smile. "No, Jimmy, sorry, but we're not doing that. It's just rain. Sometimes nature is more... natural when it lets things take their course."
Jimmy furrowed his brow, considering the idea. "But, Mom, if I remove the moisture from the air and reconfigure the local weather systems, I could change the climate in this area forever."
Judy sighed. "I understand you're excited about your technology, son, but sometimes we need to put the machines aside and simply enjoy the moment."
Jimmy didn't say anything, though he could see her point. It was hard for him to put the technology aside, especially when he had the ability to change the environment at will. Still, he remained silent as the rain continued to pour heavily on the car.
Finally, they arrived at the house. A spacious two-story chalet with a wooden facade and large windows that looked out over the fields. While his father, who had been driving, parked the car, Jimmy watched the raindrops bounce off the ground, almost with a mechanical rhythm. As if each drop had a purpose. He couldn't stop thinking about how he could improve the efficiency of that process. But now wasn't the time to work on new ideas.
The family got out of the car and quickly entered the house. The door shut with a loud click, and the sound of rain hitting the roof grew louder. Judy was the first to explore the inside, and Jimmy followed slowly, taking off his wet jacket.
While exploring the house, his phone vibrated in his pocket. It was a message from George, his lab equipment supplier.
"Jimmy! How's everything going? I got the football team into a tournament, and I hope you can participate. We're going to need your support to make them stand out. This is our chance!"
Jimmy read the message, thoughtful. He actually had much more important plans with his new inventions. The idea of participating in a football tournament didn't interest him at all.
He replied immediately, making a decision: "I can't, George. I have projects I need to continue. I'm in the middle of several important research projects."
Not even five minutes passed when his phone vibrated again with a response.
"Come on, Jimmy, this is important! The team needs you! If you join, you could get some visibility, and who knows! Maybe even apply some of your inventions. Think about the future!"
Jimmy snorted. He knew George could be persistent, but right now, the last thing he wanted was to get involved in something so... mundane.
He was about to write a negative response when a call came in. George's name appeared on the screen. Jimmy stared at the phone for a few seconds before answering.
"Hello, George."
"Jimmy! How's it going? Listen, I know you're busy, but I need your help with this. The tournament is important, and trust me, it's not just a game. It's an opportunity to grow your name, your brand. The guys need you to seriously support them."
Jimmy ran a hand through his wet hair. "George, I really don't know... I have too many things to do. My projects are advancing, and... I don't want to get distracted."
"I know, I know. But this is not just about the tournament. I'm talking about a platform to show what you can do. If you support the team, you could also gain allies who'll help you with your inventions. Think of it as an investment."
Jimmy was silent for a moment. George always knew how to sell things persuasively. Even though he didn't like the idea of losing focus on his research, the offer of visibility and the possibility of having powerful allies for the future intrigued him. Finally, he sighed.
"Alright, I'll do it. But only because you said so, George. I don't want this to interfere with my projects."
"That's what I wanted to hear! You're the best, Jimmy! See you soon!"
The call ended, and Jimmy stared at his phone in silence for a moment, the weight of the decision on his shoulders. A tournament… instead of inventions.
He sighed again. Sometimes, the opportunities that come aren't the ones you expect, but maybe this tournament is more important than it seems...
...
The next day, after promising the Burkes to stay a night at their house to watch movies, he remembered to go early.
At the Burkes' house, Jimmy and his family visited with large amounts of food for a family movie night.
Jimmy, of course, was dragged by Leslie to that magical place she had talked so much about.
"It's too early and it's raining..."