Chapter78: Chapter 78

Chapter 78: Drawing Lines XENOIS "You've got this, Dad!" Troy, Lake, and Soren shouted in unison. "Remember, it's just patterns!" I'd actually solved Rubik's cubes extensively in college—it had been a stress relief during particularly intense study sessions.  My fingers remembered the movements even if my conscious mind had forgotten the specific algorithms. I tuned out the crowd noise, focusing entirely on the colored squares, seeing patterns and solutions forming in my mind. The cube clicked into place, each face completing in rapid succession. When I slammed it down on the table with all sides solved, the timer showed we'd finished in second place—not first, but a respectable showing considering none of us had practiced. Our sons erupted in cheers, rushing over to high-five us and talk excitedly about how close we'd come to winning. Kyle was practically bouncing with excitement, already analyzing where they could improve for next time. "That was amazing!" Troy said, hugging me tight