Calculation 300

Johnathon is flowing to classic rock music as he is vigorously working towards the solution of his quantum physics theory. With a pair of micro tweezers, he tightens the last screw on the device. Johnathon triple checks his test calculation, number 299, and looks over his checklist protocol. He agrees that all looks well and proceeds to flip switch one. A barely audible buzz begins, showing a good sign. Johnathon takes a deep breath. He flips the 2nd switch feeling the device is warming up properly, signally a positive conclusion to the test. The device now begins to shake uncontrollably as Johnathon starts to yell expletives. The device is smoking, erupting a small fire. He runs to the fire extinguisher, pulls the nozzle, and dissolved the flames. Agitated and disgusted by yet another trial failure Johnathon slumps into his chair.

Angela speaks through the intercom imploring him to come up for the night expressing that the world can wait one more night before he changes it. The meteor shower is beginning shortly, as they planned to watch it together. Johnathon jots down his final remarks for the day in his little black book. He powered down the basement and walked up and out to the backyard to join his wife.

Angela is waiting underneath the stars with two glasses of wine. They now lay comfortably cuddling under the stary sky. “To think tomorrow we will be married ten years!” exclaimed Angela. Johnathon responds with excitement and confidence, although he has completely forgotten about the special day. As he leans back in his lounge chair his eyes become large trying to decide how he will salvage their anniversary. All of a sudden, a large gust of wind sweeps the yard along with a loud crack! The entire house flashes, following the rest of the street losing power!

Assuming this is his fault, Johnathon rushes to the basement. He first turns the generator on and checks every inch of his workspace to discover what could have gone wrong. Everything seems to be in order and the power outage remains a mystery. He walks back upstairs to continue his night. Just behind his peripheral vision while leaving the basement, a blinking red light begins to steadily flash on the device he has been working on so vigorously.

Dawn arrives quickly, Johnathon springs out of bed. He tidies the kitchen, rushes out the door to pick up various gifts, and grabs bagels from their favorite bakery. Just as Johnathon arrives home his neighbor yells from across the street “Hey! Thanks for fixing the power outage for the entire street last night! You’re a lifesaver!” Johnathon passively acknowledges the comment while nodding and gesturing his hand up in the air.

From the moment Johnathon walks through the door. Angela is glowing with appreciation! She jumps into his arms, kisses him more lovingly than the day they were married. Flowers filled the entryway as an enchanting aroma of essential oils traveled among the premises. Caterers were promptly preparing a lovely brunch while massage therapists awaited them to begin a very romantic couples massage in the living room. Johnathon is baffled at the arrangements. He can only believe that he is going completely insane or forgot he organized this months ago. Either way, maybe Angela was right that he has been spending too much time in the basement. Without having much time to rack his brain around the present circumstance. Angela grabs hold of his hand and pulls him towards the couple’s massage.

After the two fell into deep relaxation from the two-hour massage they enjoyed a lovely brunch. The day continued smoothly as they both could not have felt more content. As the sun began to set, Johnathon and Angela are reading their favorite novel on the hammock. Angela was becoming tired and losing focus on the story. She suggested that Johnathon may work some on his project if he wished. Johnathon was not very concerned about the project as he was still attempting to decipher how the events of the day occurred. He kissed Angela on the forehead then carried her to bed.

Johnathon walked down to the basement considering he might have jotted a few notes about the anniversary plans in the little black book. The book was not where he left it! Sweat began to perspire on his forehead, making continuous errors was not his forte. He rushed upstairs, out of breath as he stepped under the entrance of the den. A wrapped present sat on his desk with his little black book next to it with a post-it note attached to the cover. The post-it note stated “Please refer to the last page written – Calculation number 300”

Johnathon turned to the page with purpose. He found written:

Dear Johnathon,

I understand the curiosity of everything that has gone on in the last twenty-four hours. I must get to the point because I do not have much time. Calculation number 299 almost made me reconsider the entire theory. It caused Angela and me to argue. I could not let the same happen to you. We did it, Johnathon! I did it, you did it! Calculation number 300 finalized our theory. The world will be changed forever, and you will be famous for it. Three important things for you to know.

1. The final calculation is written on the next page.

2. In a huge upset win Weathers knocks out Clevenger in the 5th round. Bet precisely half of the money on Weathers and that will be enough until you receive your grant back.

3. I maxed out your credit cards on the anniversary arrangements. The other half of the money will cover it.

P.S. You’re welcome for climbing the telephone pole last night and fixing the electricity for the neighborhood.

Best, John

Johnathon opened the wrapped present and found twenty thousand dollars inside. He felt a gust of wind pulled from the hallway and the lights flickered. He ran down to the basement to find the device steadily blinking. Written in chalk on the concrete wall read “Happy Travels”.