Dave & Shanice - A Magical Adventure: Part 9

With a muted bell toll and an airy hiss, the train came to a cushioned stop. Dave stood up first and motioned for Shanice to sit still as he tested the balance of the car. His legs became unbent and the relief upon the muscles was welcome to say the least. His feet took hold of the carpet. All was well, levelwise.

"It's time to stand, my love," Dave said. With little effort, he guided Shanice to her feet as well. The two lovers stood. The floor then shifted below them, moving them toward the exit. A friendly fellow with a green beard wished them well and handed them each a wrapped candy "for later."

In addition to the Luke Merlin Memorial Botanical Gardens, Chickawack County is known for its abundance of fruiting sidewalk bushes. The fruit comes in several colors and flavors including white-hot maple, frozen cherry, and blue-apple. It's all free and ripe for the picking. The lovers took advantage. They filled their tummies with juice, pulp, seed, and rind as they walked the dozen or so blocks to the Gardens.

"I know I should stop," Shanice stated, "but I simply cannot."

Alan met the pair at the gates of the Botanical Gardens. He noticed the moist, stained chins of his friends and smiled. He thought of several amusing jabs, but bit his tongue out of respect. He did, however, offer them napkins.

"I have prepared our transit to the lab," said Alan. He pointed to a glass sphere. "Step in, my friends." The sphere rolled closer, squeaking on the gravel. They all got in and the glass ball rolled away. It gained momentum with each revolution. It topped out at close to light speed before it stopped at the lab.

Upon entrance to the lab, Dave and Shanice were each given protective eyeglasses, gloves, and a small glass of lemonade to enjoy. Alan had warned of his Earth-shattering discovery via text-message, but nothing had prepared them of what they were just beginning to see.

It first appeared as a jiggling pile draped with a blue tarp. Alan suggested they all finish their lemonades and set the cups down for the unveiling. He eased closer to the tarp's swaying edge and took hold with both gloved hands....