"Yko!"

I stopped to face my best friend who was calling me nonstop. His grin meets my eyes as I try to figure out his true intention. But his expression says it all.

"What? You want to come to Sir Tesla's house too?" I asked him directly with a hint of amusement.

My assumption was then proven after he raised his eyebrows and flash a deceitful smile. I made a face that made him laugh.

"He's working with something, no?" he asked full of excitement.

I continued walking as my brain opposes the idea of taking him too, trying to leave him behind. He followed me half running while shouting my nickname. I rolled my eyes heavenward. Someone like him who's more obsessed with science invention than me is not a good partner. Why? Because he might ruin Sir Nikola Tesla's expectations of me. I won't let him steal the spotlight.

It's winter but I don't mind the cold as I feel the excitement in my body. It's been two years since I met Sir Tesla. He is a real deal, a total genius! No one can change my mind. Every time I see him I can't help but admire him more each passing day. If only I was born to be his son, I would do great in the future like him! But nah, he's not even married.

"Speaking of married life, haven't seen him going out with a woman, how about you?" I was taken aback by Art's words.

He's not a mind reader but one thing he can do for sure is to read one's expressions and behaviors and he said that connects somebody to what he/she thinks. He believes that he can perfectly intuit someone's thoughts or feelings. I gave him a five-star rating for trying to be as cool as Sir Tesla.

"Let's not stick our noses to other people's private life," I replied.

Although I want to ask him personally, another theory came up and I don't think he will answer me. He's too focused on his inventions. Those big contributions will surely light the world more and give everyone long-lasting hope!

We stood in front of Sir Tesla's front door. None of us moved, waiting for something to happen. We don't want to be soaked with rainbow paints, or get shot with artificial bullets, and I don't want to think of more possibilities— 'cause the truth is Sir Tesla is a germaphobe, so there's no need to worry.

"I wonder what new invention will welcome us. Something that will excite me. An invention that can make my eyes twinkle because of happiness. Oh no! My mind won't sto—"

"Freeze, Art. Shut your mind for a while or I will hit you with my fist." I cut his words before he becomes a hungry lion who's craving more mind-blowing ideas.

Both of us shut up when the door opened. Sir Tesla's happy face and warm aura welcomed us. He is a perfect invention himself! I heaved a sigh as my heart thumps faster. This is exciting.

"Yko, Art! Why didn't you knock? Come inside," Sir Tesla welcomed us.

Art didn't resist. We both went inside his house and let our eyes wander around spotting breathtaking collections, unfinished inventions, and cleaned materials and equipment in every corner of the house.

"Sir Tesla, you have the most beautiful and satisfying house!"

Art's compliment made Sir Tesla laugh. I busied myself with the new equipment that was arranged on the long table. Still mesmerized by every single invention of Sir Tesla. Later on I decided to check on his successful inventions that were set aside paralleled to the long table.

"I heard you are working on something, Sir," I finally mumbled.

My eyes were fixed on The Radio and The Shadowgraph. These inventions are my favorite. They contribute a lot to the survival of human beings. All thanks to Sir Tesla and the first X-Ray Images were invented which is The Shadowgraph. I give my salute to Rontgen who invented the first X-ray films too.

There are parts, components, and samples that were arranged accordingly in the next table. I saw The Tesla Coil, The Magnifying Transmitter, The Tesla Turbine, The Radio Controlled Boat, and The Neon Lamp! My eyes twinkled in satisfaction.

"I am planning on unveiling my current invention to the U.S. Government. I'm sure you'll be amazed by it," he replied and the excitement was evident in his tone.

My eyes immediately darted at him. I haven't seen 'that' invention but I am amazed already. What can you expect from the genius inventor who had big contributions to the Modern Alternating Current? AC power allows for electricity to be sent over long distances much more efficiently, that's mind-blowing!

"Can we see it?" both Art and I said in chorus.

Sir Tesla remained silent for a while but later on he pointed us to something that was covered in a clean white fabric. My hands trembled, so eager to touch his new invention. I can already feel my heart exploding because of excitement. Butterflies in my stomach chirked.

I wanna see its form and structure but I'm afraid I'll be more spoiled than the U.S. Government and the excitement will not be there anymore if they approve it.

"It's a form of salesforce weapon. I call it Death Ray." He introduced his new invention without revealing to us the so-called Death Ray.

Well, it didn't become a big deal to us. We are content with its information. Death Ray is a powerful weapon that sends out a very strong beam of energy. It can surely destroy anything!

"Papa…"

I got awakened by my daughter's soft and heartwarming voice. I spaced out for awhile while chit-chatting with my wife and our child.

"Are you okay, honey?" my wife asked worriedly.

I nodded then flashed a smile. Those memories with Art and Sir Tesla is still fresh in my mind. I was a seven-year-old kid back then but I act like a grown-up man.

"I'm sorry. I spaced out for a while."

My daughter extended her arms, holding my diary containing every single moment that I am with Sir Tesla.

"What happened to Sir Tesla? You didn't write the next chapter of your journey as one of his admirers," my daughter said innocently.

It ended on that day when he introduced the Death Ray to us. My face become sad when I remembered what happened next.

"I can't write the most painful scenario that I have ever witnessed. Those humiliations..." I gritted my teeth because of anger.

My wife held my hand, a sign that I need to calm myself. I heaved a sigh then forced a bitter smile. I pat my daughter's head so she'll focus her attention on me.

"Did you know, Sir Tesla never married?"

"Why? I saw his picture and he is so handsome!"

"He never married because he said that women were too far above him for him to reach them," I honestly said, remembering his answers to his interview.

"Whaaaat?!" My daughter was shocked by what she heard.

I tried to widen my eyes to show that I am also shocked.

"Did he ever fall in love?" she asked teary-eyed.

"Aha," I replied with sadness in my tone.

"With whom?"

I squeezed my wife's hand before answering my daughter's question.

"To the most beautiful and very special white pigeon that visited him regularly."

Silence...

I thought she will laugh. But I saw tears in my daughter's eyes, streaming down on her face.

"I wanna be reincarnated as a very special white pigeon and fall in love with Sir Tesla," she directly said full of honesty.

Small tears came out of my eyes. I wiped her tears when a sob came after. What will happen if he ever married and raised two or more children?

"Remember his name, he is Nikola Tesla, the greatest inventor who lit the world," I whispered to her then kissed my daughter's forehead.

© shesprettyvillain