Rowan was starting to realize that his world was shifting faster than he ever expected. Between fixing computers, working on vehicles, and diving deeper into scientific research, opportunities kept knocking at his door.
Lately, he had been spending more and more time in the garage, fine-tuning his mechanical skills. What had started as simple repairs with his father had turned into full-fledged problem-solving challenges. He had rebuilt a carburetor, installed a new transmission in Jake's old truck, and even helped a neighbor fix a stubborn engine that wouldn't start. The more he worked with his hands, the more he realized how much he enjoyed the logic behind mechanical work.
One afternoon, as he finished replacing a faulty alternator, he wiped the sweat from his brow and leaned back, admiring his work. Jake walked in just in time to see Rowan turn the key in the ignition. The truck roared to life on the first try.
"Damn," Jake said, grinning. "You're getting better at this. Pretty soon, I won't have to fix anything around here."
Rowan smirked. "That's the goal. Maybe I'll start charging you for my services."
Jake let out a laugh. "Oh, so now you're a professional? What's the going rate for a father-son discount?"
Rowan wiped his hands on a rag and shrugged. "I'll have to check market prices, but I think I can cut you a deal."
Jake patted him on the back. "Well, you earned a break. Let's grab something to drink."
As if the day couldn't get better, Rowan's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and nearly dropped the wrench in his other hand when he saw the sender. Scientific Outlook Magazine.
His heart nearly stopped as he opened the email. They wanted to feature him. His mechanical work and scientific innovations had caught their attention, and they were inviting him to be part of their "Young Innovators" section.
Grabbing his phone, he dialed Oliver's number immediately.
"Dude, answer your phone," Rowan muttered under his breath, bouncing his knee impatiently. When Oliver finally picked up, he didn't even let him say hello.
"I just got an email from Scientific Outlook! They want to feature me in their 'Young Innovators' section."
There was a brief pause before Oliver let out an exaggerated gasp. "Scientific Outlook? You mean the magazine that, like, actual scientists and engineers read?"
"Yes!" Rowan said, still trying to process it himself.
"Oh, man. I knew you were gonna be famous before the rest of the world caught on," Oliver teased. "What's next? TED Talks? Your own TV show? Maybe a space mission?"
Rowan rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress his smile. "Calm down. It's just an interview. But still… this is huge."
"Hell yeah, it is," Oliver agreed. "So, when do we celebrate? I assume this calls for burgers."
Rowan chuckled. "It always calls for burgers."
The next few days were a whirlwind. The magazine sent over a list of questions, covering everything from his scientific inspirations to his long-term goals. Rowan spent hours drafting thoughtful responses, making sure to sound both intelligent and approachable.
At dinner one evening, Aria looked up from his printed-out answers and grinned. "You know, you sound like an actual scientist here. You sure you're still my son?"
Rowan groaned. "Mom."
Jake smirked. "She has a point. Maybe you should throw in a joke. Make sure they know you're still human."
Aria nodded. "Something charming. A little wit never hurts."
"Great," Rowan muttered. "Now I have two PR agents."
Jake raised a glass. "Hey, we're just making sure you don't bore the world with too much genius at once."
Oliver, meanwhile, had his own version of 'helping.' He threw in random questions while Rowan rehearsed.
"Okay, so imagine this," Oliver said one evening while Rowan practiced his responses. "You're on stage, mid-sentence, and suddenly - bam! A rogue pigeon flies in and lands on your podium. What do you do?"
Rowan groaned. "I ignore it and keep going."
"Wrong," Oliver declared. "You embrace the pigeon. Make it part of the presentation. Call it a co-presenter."
"You're ridiculous," Rowan muttered, but he was laughing.
When the big day finally arrived, Rowan stood backstage, heart pounding but determined. He had spent his life preparing for moments like this, even if he hadn't realized it at the time. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward, ready to take on this next horizon.