The family consisting of three members, father Takashi, mother, and son Izumi, received an invitation from a family friend to spend the weekend together in the city of Musashino, which is about 9 kilometers west of Tokyo, The idea appealed to the family, and they quickly accepted the invitation. The father saw it as a perfect opportunity to change the scenery and start a new week full of energy. They packed their bags and set off in their car. Upon their arrival, they found Albert (the family friend) waiting for them at dinner in a warm family atmosphere. Takashi began to chat with Albert, reminiscing about their school days and how each had chosen a completely different path; Takashi became a police officer while Albert worked with a scientific innovation team, While Izumi's mother and Albert's wife were having a conversation about Japanese cuisine and comparing it to Korean food, Izumi was in his friend Dekim's room. Dekim was showing him posters of Japanese football players that he had put on the walls, including his favorite, Hidetoshi Nakata.
As morning arrived, both families prepared to go out together to explore a number of renowned places in the city, such as Musashino Forest Park and the Musashino Art Library, which is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world in terms of architecture. The library's glass exterior reflects a stunning scene that interweaves towering bookshelves, resembling those runways that fashion models walk, with the surrounding natural environment. While the two families were spending enjoyable time together, Albert's phone rang, and he rushed out of the library to answer the call, which seemed important.
"Hello Albert, your colleague Yoshi at the Institute for Scientific Research and Innovation is speaking".
"Hello Yoshi, I'm surprised by your call on the weekend, is everything okay?" said Albert.
"Yes, I just wanted to inform you of the update I received from the head of the institute, the shipment arrived earlier than scheduled from Mercury," said Yoshi.
"Really!" Albert said in a low voice.
"The president informed me that I should collect the package and take it to the laboratory, but I couldn't do that because it coincided with taking my mother to the hospital for some urgent tests. That's why the president asked me to pass this task on to you because of its importance. You know we can't place such a heavy responsibility on someone else," said Yoshi.
"It's as if the work never ends, Yoshi. This is too much..." Albert said, annoyed.
Albert returned to the library to apologize to the Izumi family and to ask for permission to go pick up a package from the shipping company...
"It feels like my luck is against me and taking me away from the enjoyable moments, Takashi," Albert said while laughing.
"I have to gomy friend to take care of an important matter related to my work. So, you all continue your tour and enjoy your time, and we'll meet at home for dinner" Albert added.
"Okay, no problem. We'll finish our tour and head home," Takashi said.
Albert was late for his guests, but he arrived in his private car. He entered the house carrying a steel briefcase, and all eyes turned to him, especially toward the peculiar-looking case. Everyone at the table, particularly Takashi's family, was curious about what the briefcase contained.
"I don't want to intrude Albert, but what is that strange bag?" Takashi asked.
"It's a time travel machine Dad," Izumi said, laughing.
"Wrong guess, Izumi" Albert said firmly, looking somewhat annoyed.
Albert went to the basement to hide the briefcase from view, feeling a strange sensation, a sense of guilt, as if he had made a mistake by entering the house with the guests inside.
He placed the steel briefcase inside an old safe in his basement and then went back upstairs to have dinner with his family and guests.
"You look tired, Albert," Takashi said.
"Yes, it has been a long day. I think I'll head to bed. I apologize," Albert replied.
"No problem, my friend. We had a wonderful weekend. Thank you for the invitation. Next time, it will be your turn to visit us," Takashi said.
Everyone headed to their rooms to sleep, except for Izumi and Dekim, who spent more time playing video games in Dekim's room. After a while of playing, Dekim wanted to gift Izumi something before they left in the morning. He began searching for a novel he had finished reading and enjoyed, wanting to give it to Izumi so he could discuss its events with someone. After some time searching, he remembered that he had stored it in the basement due to the overflowing library in his room.
Dekim headed toward the door.
"Where are you going?" Izumi asked.
"To be honest, I wanted to give you a novel that I really enjoyed, and I remembered that it's in the basement, so I'll go grab it and come back," Dekim said.
"Can I accompany you?" Izumi asked.
"Sure," Dekim replied.
Izumi was captivated by what he saw: artifacts that dated back hundreds of years, inherited by Albert from his ancestors, along with some outdated scientific equipment that belonged to his father.
He was fascinated by Takashi's profession and always wanted to learn about extraordinary things, which fueled his interest in science fiction books. As he scanned every corner of the basement, he searched for the briefcase that Takashi had carried when coming home from work, eager to find out what it contained. However, his attempts proved fruitless, leaving him no choice but to ask Dekim.
Izumi was captivated by what he saw: artifacts that dated back hundreds of years, inherited by Albert from his ancestors, along with some outdated scientific equipment that belonged to his father.
He was fascinated by Takashi's profession and always wanted to learn about extraordinary things, which fueled his interest in science fiction books. As he scanned every corner of the basement, he searched for the briefcase that Takashi had carried when coming home from work, eager to find out what it contained. However, his attempts proved fruitless, leaving him no choice but to ask Dekim.
"WOW! If only this basement were in our house, I would spend all year in it," said Izumi, addressing Dekim.
"Don't overdo it man. I know you're obsessed with the supernatural, but!!!" replied Dekim, unimpressed.
"Just imagine if we could instantly transform from ordinary players in the university team into stars, capable of carrying the entire team, burden and winning every possible championship!" Izumi said.
"All this just to impress the girls," Dekim scoffed at Izumi's words.
