A short story

The Small Train Engine

In the heart of a sun-drenched workshop, where the air was thick with the scent of cedar and sawdust, Jeha stood poised before her latest challenge. This space, a sanctuary of creativity and legacy, was alive with the echoes of generations of woodworkers who had come before her, each leaving their mark in the form of hand-crafted masterpieces and worn tools. Today, Jeha was about to add her own chapter to this storied tradition with a project she had never attempted before: a meticulously crafted toy train and its winding track.

As she selected her materials, Jeha's mind was alight with the teachings of her father, a master craftsman who had imbued in her a profound respect for the wood and the stories it held within. He taught her that woodworking was not just about shaping wood but about uncovering its hidden narratives, bringing forth the essence of the material through patience and skill. With this project, Jeha aimed to do just that — to create something that not only showcased her craftsmanship but also captured the imagination.

The workshop was her canvas, and as Jeha began to work, the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the task at hand. Each cut was deliberate, each measurement precise. Yet, as she worked, a sense of curiosity began to take root within her. What if, in crafting this train, she could tap into something beyond the tactile joy of creation? Her ancestors, revered artisans of their time, were said to have infused their works with qualities that transcended mere functionality, embedding within them a spark of the extraordinary.

As the foundation of the train began to take shape, so too did Jeha's resolve to weave a tapestry of craftsmanship and discovery. This train, destined to glide along the tracks she would painstakingly lay, was more than a toy; it was a vessel for exploration, destined to carry Jeha beyond the boundaries of her workshop and into the realms of the unexplained.

Jeha

Jeha, a descendent of a venerable line of woodworkers, had always found solace and purpose amidst the scent of fresh timber and the sound of sawing in her family's workshop. This sanctuary of creation was not just a place for work; it was a repository of her lineage's wisdom and artistry, passed down through generations.

Despite this exciting heritage, Jeha harbored a quiet turmoil within. She was acutely aware of the legacy she was expected to uphold, a legacy that sometimes felt like a shadow looming over her own aspirations. Her journey into woodworking was not just about mastering the craft but also about finding her own voice within the chorus of her ancestors. The train project represented a step into uncharted territory, a chance to prove to herself that she could extend the boundaries of traditional woodworking into something uniquely hers.

This internal struggle was Jeha's constant companion, a blend of reverence for her family's history and a drive to forge her own path. The workshop, with its layers of sawdust and history, was the arena where she confronted these challenges. Every piece she created was a testament to her struggle, a blend of tradition and innovation.

Crafting Connections

The small train engine, now brought to life under Jeha's skilled hands, was a tribute to her ability to breathe life into wood, transforming it into a symbol of journey and discovery. Yet, a train without its track was like a story without a narrative — incomplete. Thus, Jeha embarked on crafting the track with meticulous precision, envisioning it not just as a circuit for the train to traverse but as a network of connections, each piece interlocking to form a seamless path.

With each piece of the track carefully carved and assembled, Jeha's challenge lay not just in the aesthetics but in the functionality. The crafting of the track mirrored her own journey, symbolizing the paths we choose or find ourselves on. It became more than just a part of the train set; it symbolized the connections between tradition and innovation, the past and the future.

Finally, with the track laid out in a winding circuit across her workshop floor, an oval track, Jeha gently placed the completed train upon it. She couldn't help but smile as she gave the train a gentle nudge, watching with delight as it slid smoothly along the track. The train glided with such ease, its wheels whispering against the wood. Jeha stepped back, her eyes gleaming with pride and a touch of wonder as she admired the harmony between the train and its track. For a moment, she basked in the satisfaction of her creation.

As Jeha prepared to begin the task of painting the train, a familiar rumble echoed through the room, interrupting her creative reverie. Her stomach grumbled loudly, a timely reminder that the morning had slipped away unnoticed, and the clock silently announced the passage of time, its hands pointing past noon.

With a resigned sigh, Jeha reluctantly set aside her brushes and colors, acknowledging the pressing need for sustenance. As she made her way to the kitchen, the tantalizing scent of her dad's cooking enveloped her senses, promising a savory respite from her creative pursuits.

Lunch Break

As she entered the kitchen, she found her dad, Asher, standing by the stove, busy preparing a meal. Soft light filtered through the window, casting a gentle glow over the rustic decor of the room. Wooden beams adorned the ceiling, while shelves lined with jars of spices and cookbooks filled the walls. The scent of savory spices and freshly cooked food filled the air, inviting Jeha further into the welcoming space.

"Hey there, Jeha! Perfect timing, lunch is almost ready," he said with a warm smile.

"Thanks, Dad. I'm starving," Jeha replied, her mouth watering at the sight of the food.

They sat down at the table together, the worn wooden surface telling stories of countless family meals. Jeha's dad served up generous portions of the meal he had prepared.

"So, how's your latest project coming along?" her dad asked between bites, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.

Jeha hesitated for a moment, deliberating whether to share the details of her train project. She had always enjoyed discussing her work with her dad, but this time, she felt a strange urge to keep it to herself – at least for now.

"It's going well, Dad. Just experimenting with a few ideas," she replied vaguely, hoping to deflect his curiosity.

Asher nodded, sensing the unspoken weight behind her words. He didn't press further, respecting her need to navigate her own path. Instead, he shared a story from his early days as a craftsman, subtly weaving in a lesson about patience and the beauty of discovery through trial and error.

The meal continued with lighter conversation, laughter peppering their exchange as they discussed plans for the weekend. Despite the simplicity of the moment, there was a profound comfort in the shared silence and understanding that filled the gaps between words.

After helping with the dishes, Jeha felt a renewed sense of purpose. The break had not only nourished her body but had subtly realigned her focus, reminding her of the support system she had in her father—a bedrock of wisdom and encouragement.

Dad, Asher

Asher's journey into the world of woodworking was not merely a choice but a calling, passed down through generations of artisans who had shaped the family legacy with their hands and hearts. From a young age, Asher had been his father's shadow, watching in silent awe as blocks of wood were transformed into objects of beauty and purpose. It was in these early years that a pivotal moment shaped his path: a failed attempt at crafting a simple wooden chest, which, under his father's patient guidance, became his first lesson in perseverance and the art of seeing beauty in imperfection.

The bond between Asher and Jeha was forged in this same workshop, amidst sawdust and shavings, where lessons were passed from father to daughter not through words, but through the shared language of creation. Asher taught Jeha not just the techniques of woodworking but instilled in her a reverence for the wood itself, urging her to listen to its whispers and to understand its soul.

Asher understood that woodworking was more than a profession — it was a bridge connecting the past to the present, the earth to the sky, and father to daughter. In every piece of wood that passed through his hands, he saw not just the potential for beauty but the continuation of a story that was much bigger than himself.

Despite the tranquility of his craft, Asher's journey was not without its challenges. There was a time when the family workshop faced the threat of closure, a period of uncertainty that tested his resolve and forced him to confront the possibility of a future disconnected from his passion. It was through sheer determination and the support of his community that he overcame this trial, emerging with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the fragile beauty of his craft.

Painting Pause

Rejuvenated from lunch, Jeha returned to the sanctity of her workshop. The space, now bathed in the gentle glow of the afternoon sun, seemed to welcome her back, ready to witness the next phase of creation. Jeha approached her project with a clear vision: it was time to bring color to the train, to infuse it with a bit of her soul. She reached for the vivid red paint, a shade that spoke to her with its depth and vibrancy.

As she began to paint the train's wheels, Jeha found herself lost in the rhythm of the work. The sound of the brush against the grain, a comforting whisper in the quiet of the workshop, reminded her of the countless hours she had dedicated to mastering her craft. However, in her eagerness, Jeha realized she had overlooked a crucial step — detaching the wheels before painting. A wave of frustration briefly clouded her focus, but it was quickly replaced by a surge of determination.

As the day transitioned into evening, Jeha added the finishing touches of paint to her project. The setting sun, transforming into a brilliant sphere at the edge of the sky, bathed the workshop in elongated shadows, heralding the close of a productive day. With the painting complete, it was time for Jeha and her handiwork to rest and rejuvenate. The red wheels of her creation popped against the backdrop of natural wood, creating a visually stunning contrast that delighted the senses.

As darkness enveloped the workshop, Jeha left her creation to dry under the watchful eyes of the stars. The cycle of day and night, much like the cycle of creation, offered a moment of reflection and growth, a reminder of the ever-present connection between the craftsperson and their craft, between tradition and the promise of new beginnings.

Frictionless Conundrum

As the first rays of sunlight crept into the workshop, casting a warm, reassuring light over her creations, Jeha approached her latest project with a heart full of anticipation. The train, with its wheels now adorned in a vibrant shade of red, seemed to beckon for a test on the meticulously laid tracks. Gently placing the engine at the starting point, she paused for a moment to admire the culmination of her efforts, the air around her charged with the promise of movement and discovery.

With a deep breath, Jeha pressed forward, eager to witness the fruits of her labor come to life. However, her excitement quickly morphed into a bewildering puzzle as she attempted to propel the train forward. While she expected the smooth rotation of the wheels to translate into graceful motion along the tracks, the engine itself remained unyieldingly still. The wheels spun with ease, a perfect execution of mechanics and craftsmanship, yet the train, paradoxically, refused to advance.

This perplexing scenario unfolded before Jeha's eyes, challenging her understanding of motion and mechanics. The wheels moved as if they were on a frictionless surface, spinning freely without propelling the engine forward. What compounded her astonishment was the absence of any tactile feedback against her efforts. Pushing on the engine felt eerily devoid of resistance, akin to the sensation of pushing against a curtain of air, a phenomenon that left her both fascinated and frustrated.

Jeha found herself caught in a moment of surreal contemplation, her mind racing to reconcile the visual evidence of spinning wheels with the physical reality of the stationary train. It was as though the train existed in two states simultaneously: visually dynamic, yet physically inert. This contradiction between expectation and observation prompted a flurry of questions and hypotheses in Jeha's mind. Was there an unseen flaw in her design, or had she stumbled upon a phenomenon that eluded her grasp of physical laws?

Determined to unravel this mystery, Jeha carefully lifted the train from the track to examine the interface between the wheels and the surface beneath them, searching for clues that might explain the inexplicable behavior. Despite her thorough inspection, everything appeared in perfect order: the tracks were laid correctly, and the wheels were flawlessly aligned with the engine's body. Yet, when placed back on the track and nudged forward, the train's wheels would spin freely without moving the engine, a baffling contradiction to Jeha's expectations.

This anomaly presented a stark deviation from the principles she had learned and mastered. The train, seemingly caught between motion and stillness, propelled Jeha into uncharted territory of thought. Was there an overlooked detail in her construction, or had she inadvertently stumbled upon a phenomenon that eluded traditional understanding of physics?

As Jeha stood in the quiet of her workshop, surrounded by tools and the legacy of her craftsmanship, she was confronted with a challenge that mirrored the complexities of the physical world. What had started as a straightforward demonstration of her train's functionality had morphed into a profound puzzle. The discrepancy between the spinning wheels and the stationary engine sparked a series of questions and hypotheses in Jeha's mind, pushing her to think beyond conventional mechanics.

It dawned on Jeha that the issue might lie in the friction — or lack thereof — between the wheels and the track. It seemed as though the usual friction had vanished, as if the wheels were now coated in an ultra-low friction substance, akin to ice. This hypothesis offered a semblance of logic amidst the inexplicable, providing Jeha with a glimmer of understanding amid the perplexity. Could it be that the red paint she had used possessed unexpectedly low friction properties, rendering it unsuitable for train wheels? The thought sparked a sense of warmth within her, as she grasped onto this newfound thread of reasoning.

As Jeha pondered further, the explanation of "ice paint" failed to address a crucial aspect of the phenomenon—the lack of resistance when pushing the train. If the train were truly immobile, she would expect to feel a strong counterforce pushing against her hand, akin to pushing against a solid wall. Yet, the train remained eerily still, offering no such resistance.

Upon attempting to push the train forward continuously, rather than merely nudging as before, Jeha witnessed a curious phenomenon: the wheels began to spin ever faster, yet the engine itself remained motionless. It appeared that the energy she exerted was not moving the train but instead being converted into the rapid rotation of the wheels.

As Jeha dedicated more time to experimenting and delving into the nuances of the train's baffling behavior, her initial bewilderment transformed into a profound excitement. The possibility that she might have uncovered something truly groundbreaking — a phenomenon that had remained unwitnessed until now — ignited a fierce curiosity within her. She found herself pondering how her work might have accidentally spawned such an enigmatic anomaly, one that seemed to challenge the very foundations of what was thought to be known. The depth of the mystery only served to stoke the flames of her enthusiasm further, pushing her to decode the secrets it concealed.

An Unexpected Turn

Fueled by an insatiable thirst for understanding, Jeha set forth on a determined series of experiments aimed at peeling back the layers of the mystery that now dominated her workshop. Central to her investigations was the hypothesis that the red paint on the wheels — a seemingly innocuous choice — played a pivotal role in the train's perplexing behavior. With meticulous precision and a keen eye for detail, she prepared to test her theory, hopeful that it would shed light on the curious phenomenon.

As her first experiment, Jeha swiftly crafted new wheels, devoid of any coloration. With practiced hands, she replaced the red wheels with these colorless counterparts and set the train back on the track. To her relief, the train glided smoothly along its path, behaving exactly as expected. Jeha's excitement grew as she realized she had successfully reproduced the desired outcome.

But the true test lay in reintroducing the red-painted wheels. With a sense of anticipation, Jeha made the switch, and once again, the train's peculiar behavior returned. It was a clear indication that the anomalous phenomenon was indeed linked to the red paint — a discovery that filled Jeha with a mix of wonder and intrigue.

While Jeha had successfully pinpointed the source of the anomaly, she remained cognizant of the need to explore other potential variables. With this in mind, she decided to modify the track configuration, opting for a simple straight track composed of two small track parts.

Fueled by curiosity, Jeha exerted a gentle push on the engine, watching as its red wheels began to spin rapidly, yet the engine itself stayed motionless. This peculiar sight had become somewhat anticipated, but the next moment took her completely by surprise. In an instant, without any preamble or fade, the stationary engine with its whirling wheels vanished from sight. Jeha found herself staring at the empty track, her mind racing to grasp the sudden absence of her train, a mix of disbelief and awe washing over her.

Desperately, Jeha combed through the clutter surrounding her workbench, her heart clinging to the slim hope that the missing engine might be hidden amidst the disarray. Yet, her efforts revealed nothing, deepening the sense of loss that now permeated the workshop. The engine's sudden absence didn't just leave a physical void; it cast a long shadow over the joy and pride Jeha had felt in her creation. As she struggled to make sense of the vanishing, a profound sadness enveloped her, mingling with her confusion.

The disappearance of the train engine, a creation born from Jeha's own creativity and dedication, deepened her emotional turmoil. This loss was not just of a project but felt like a part of herself had vanished without a trace. The joy and pride she once felt were now overshadowed by a profound sense of personal loss. As the initial shock and panic subsided, they left Jeha in a void filled with the echo of her own questions, forcing her to confront the painful absence of her cherished work.

However, it was this very sense of loss and unresolved mystery that rekindled Jeha's resolve. With a heavy heart but an unyielding spirit, she turned back to her workbench, not to mourn the missing engine but to challenge the unknown. The sorrow she felt for the vanished piece of her craft transformed into a driving force, compelling her to seek answers.

The Paradoxical Path

As Jeha delved back into her work, the sting of loss transformed into a source of strength. Her experiments, now imbued with a personal quest for clarity, were dedicated to untangling the perplexing events behind the engine's disappearance. Each test and observation allowed her to gradually piece together the enigmatic behavior that defied conventional understanding. Fueled by a determination to reclaim a part of what she had lost, Jeha's resolve to confront the mysteries at hand never wavered.

This resolve led her to meticulously catalog the peculiarities that had surfaced through her persistent inquiry. Emboldened to pierce the veil of the unknown, she identified two distinct phenomena that stood out amidst her experiments:

1. The Paradox of the Red-Wheeled Train: On the oval track, the engine with red wheels remained immobile while the wheels themselves spun freely, presenting an inexplicable contradiction between appearance and actual motion.

2. The Vanishing Act on the Straight Track: More startling was the behavior on the straight track, where the train's spinning wheels preceded the engine's sudden disappearance, leaving no trace behind in an instant.

It was a conundrum that challenged Jeha's worldview. The train seemed to possess a paradoxical nature — moving invisibly along the track while remaining stationary in reality. The inexplicable awareness of the track's shape without visible movement baffled Jeha, leaving her grasping for answers in the midst of uncertainty.

Undeterred by the enigma, Jeha pressed on, determined to unravel the mysteries that lay before her. With cautious optimism tempered by a sense of resignation, she embarked on the construction of a new train engine. However, wary of potential disappointments, Jeha opted for a simple design — a mere wooden block fitted with axles for the wheels. Though functional, it lacked the aesthetic appeal Jeha had initially envisioned.

Yet, Jeha found solace in the understanding that this creation was only a tool for her experiments, not meant for public display. With each trial and iteration, she edged closer to unlocking the secrets hidden within the perplexing behavior of her red-wheeled train.

Undeterred by the perplexing nature of her experiments, Jeha pressed on, subjecting the tracks and the colorless-wheeled train to further scrutiny. To her relief, they performed as anticipated, yet Jeha couldn't shake the feeling of incredulity that had settled within her. The world had betrayed her expectations twice before, and she found herself gripped by a sense of unease — a nagging uncertainty that lingered despite the reassuring results.

With a resolve born of necessity, Jeha embarked on her next endeavor: repainting the wheels red. However, she took a cautious approach this time, meticulously detaching them from the wooden block that no longer bore the title of "train" in her mind. With deft strokes, she applied the vibrant hue to the wheels before setting them aside to dry.

Simultaneously, Jeha seized the opportunity to produce additional wheels in bulk, recognizing their eventual necessity for future train carts. It was a practical decision tinged with a hint of resignation, acknowledging the uncertain path that lay ahead. As she awaited the drying of the newly painted wheels, Jeha couldn't shake the feeling of being caught in a surreal experiment of her own making — a testament to the unpredictable nature of the world she thought she knew.

Traversing the Threshold

As the sun rose on a new day, Jeha found herself faced with a fresh set of challenges and revelations. The once-dried wheels now adorned the wooden block in both red and colorless hues, offering a stark visual reminder of the mysteries yet to be unraveled.

With her resolve fortified, Jeha meticulously reattached the vibrant red wheels to the block and positioned it on the straight wooden track once again. Determined to circumvent any repeat of the vanishing act, she gripped the block with unwavering firmness, guiding it back and forth along the track in a deliberate attempt to replicate its intended journey. Yet, the block remained motionless, while the wheels span towards the pushed direction, defying the laws of physics. Her hand moved, but the block seemed caught in an unseen hold, a paradox that puzzled her senses.

However, Jeha's innate curiosity wouldn't let her be deterred by these baffling outcomes. Keeping a steady hand, she pushed the block along the track, her grip a safeguard against loss. It was then, in a startling instant of clarity, that the block slipped from reality right before her eyes. Her fingers snapped closed on empty air, a reflexive response to its sudden disappearance.

The revelation struck Jeha in that moment of loss; the block vanished precisely as her hand reached the end of the track, mirroring the exact distance it should have traveled. This observation bridged Jeha's theory with reality: The block, like the train before it, had effectively traversed the straight track invisibly, disappearing at the point where its journey should have ended. This invisible journey, aligning perfectly with the track's length, illuminated the mystery with a flash of insight, challenging everything Jeha thought she knew.

There, in the tranquility of her workshop, her fingers remained curled around the space once occupied by the block, Jeha was thrust into deep contemplation. The phenomena unveiled a realm brimming with questions yet to be answered, beckoning her further into its depths. Her mind, ignited by the potential of her findings, ventured eagerly into the vast expanse of the unknown.

Unlike the initial loss of the train, which had struck a deep chord of sadness, the disappearance of the block was met with a more pragmatic perspective. The train was a labor of love, the blocks were tools for discovery — expendable in the pursuit of understanding. Fortunately, her workshop harbored more blocks, ready to be part of the next experiment. This abundance allowed her to view the disappearance not as a loss but as a necessary sacrifice at the altar of exploration.

A Shift in Strategy

Deep in contemplation, Jeha arrived at a profound realization: while the object itself remained stationary, it seemed to have an unseen counterpart completing the intended journey. This insight led her to consider the possibility of objects existing in dual states — one visible and static, the other invisible and mobile. This newfound understanding challenged her to rethink the dynamics of physical presence, suggesting a complex interaction between the tangible and the unseen. Jeha's research was now guided by this intriguing concept, as she sought to unravel the mysteries of this paradoxical existence.

Jeha contemplated a new approach. Could she discern any tangible impact by interposing an object in the path of the block? Determined to find out, she positioned her hand in front of the train and set the block in motion around the oval track. Despite her expectations, the presence of her hand seemed to have no effect on the block's trajectory. It was a confounding result, indicating that the train's movement, though imperceptible, remained unaffected by physical obstacles.

Undaunted, Jeha continued her experimentation over several days, exploring diverse methods such as introducing colliding blocks, running the engine with only two wheels, or even attempting to collide two red-wheeled engines to each other. Despite her persistent efforts, no new phenomena emerged to challenge her understanding, leaving her at a standstill in her pursuit of answers.

Throughout her experiments, Jeha had maintained a veil of secrecy around her findings, driven by a desire to comprehensively understand the phenomenon before sharing it with others. However, on this occasion, an undeniable compulsion stirred within her — a sense that the implications of her discovery transcended the boundaries of her own understanding. With a heavy yet resolute heart, Jeha made the decision to break her pattern of solitude and confide in her father. In doing so, she hoped to gain a broader perspective and shed light on the enigma that had captivated her workshop.

Unraveling Tapestry

Jeha lingered at the threshold of her father's study, the discovery's weight pressing down on her. As she stepped inside, the scent of old books and cedarwood wrapped around her, the familiarity offering a whisper of comfort. Her father, immersed in a tome, looked up, his smile a beacon in the dimly lit room.

"Hey, Dad," she started, her voice barely above a whisper, betraying the storm of emotions churning inside her.

Setting his book aside, her father's gaze softened, a silent invitation for her to share the burden that clearly weighed on her. "What's on your mind, Jeha? You seem troubled."

Jeha recounted her experience with the perplexing train phenomenon, her words stumbling over each other in her eagerness to explain. She described how she had fashioned a train that defied conventional logic, steadfastly refusing to budge despite her efforts.

Her father remained silent, his calm presence inviting her to continue. Jeha took the silence as encouragement to continue, she continued to recount the enigmatic disappearance of both the train and the wooden block, each occurrence leaving her increasingly bewildered, her confusion and frustration clear in her hurried speech.

As her father listened, a serene anchor amidst her chaotic thoughts, he remained silent, allowing her the space to navigate her story. After she finished, he leaned back, a thoughtful expression shadowing his features before a knowing smile hinted at an understanding beyond her grasp.

"Ah, Jeha, it sounds like you've stumbled upon a fascinating aspect of branes," he said, his voice laced with intrigue.

"Branes?" Jeha repeated, her curiosity piqued yet tangled in uncertainty. She noticed a flicker of excitement in her father's eyes, a spark that encouraged her to lean in, despite her swirling doubts.

Nodding, her father took a moment to gather his thoughts, then began to clarify the universe's structure with a simplicity that belied its complexity. "Picture the universe as a vast, multidimensional landscape, more intricate than just empty space. It's like a cosmic tapestry, and within this tapestry, think of each strand as a dimension — a unique layer or a brane. These branes are like individual threads in a fabric, weaving through the cosmos, interconnecting in ways that are hard to see but fundamental to the fabric's overall structure," he explained, his hands mimicking the intertwining of threads, creating a visual metaphor that helped Jeha visualize the unseen connections between dimensions.

Jeha's expression was a mix of curiosity and skepticism, a visual cue of her struggle to grasp the concept. "But how does this explain the train not moving?" she inquired, her tone reflecting both skepticism and a deepening interest, as if her earlier frustrations were now fueling her quest for understanding.

"Consider the train as existing on one of these dimensional threads," her father elaborated, using his hands to visualize the concept of movement across dimensions. "When you tried to move it, it actually did travel — just not in a way we can easily observe. It moved across dimensions invisible to us, navigating through pathways beyond our perception."

He paused, allowing the notion to sink in, the atmosphere in the room now thick with the allure of hidden realms. "These dimensions, or branes, they're the unseen highways of the universe. Everything is guided along these invisible paths. What seems stationary is, in reality, moving through dimensions we simply can't see."

The moment between Jeha's skepticism and her father's unwavering conviction created a quiet but powerful shift in the room. As her initial resistance waned, it was replaced by an emerging sense of wonder.

"Does this mean the train's journey happens in dimensions we can't see?" Jeha asked, her tone imbued with a mix of awe and a dawning comprehension, as if the puzzle she had been wrestling with was starting to come together.

"Precisely," her father replied, his eyes sparkling with the excitement of mutual discovery. "It's moving through a hidden maze, intricately woven into the essence of reality itself."

Leaning back, Jeha felt a transformation in her thinking. The veil of frustration that once obscured her understanding began to lift, revealing a landscape filled with awe and possibilities. "So, these 'branes' are essentially hidden layers of reality, each one shaping the universe in unseen ways?"

"Indeed," he nodded, his voice imbued with pride. "And though some of these dimensions are invisible to us, not all of them are. They're constantly in motion, subtly shaping and influencing our world in ways we're only beginning to unravel."

Jeha sat in quiet contemplation, her father's words weaving a tapestry of endless possibilities in her mind. The room, once just a study filled with books and the scent of cedarwood, now felt like a portal to the cosmos, a place where the boundaries between the known and the unknown blurred into insignificance.

The Perceived Reality

After a brief pause for reflection, Asher and Jeha resumed their discussion. Jeha, her curiosity undimmed, posed another question. "But why doesn't the train instantly become invisible when it's pushed into an invisible brane?"

"Ah," Asher began, his voice reflecting a mix of appreciation for the question and readiness to elucidate, "When the train moves into what we're calling an 'invisible brane,' it doesn't simply leave our visible realm. Parts of its existence are smeared across several branes at once. It's this simultaneous presence in both the visible and invisible branes that keeps it from disappearing to our eyes instantly. Picture it as being in two places at once — here in our observable world and there in the unseen one. It's at the crossroads of these branes, within their overlapping layers, that objects truly interact, allowing them to influence each other across these diverse realms."

Asher, caught up in the flow of conversation, suddenly interjected, "You know, these branes are essential for traveling faster.", "Consider the experience of boarding an airplane. After an uncomfortable, but relatively short sit, you find yourself transported to a different location. That's the essence of efficient transportation — swiftly covering distances that would otherwise take much longer on foot. Imagine if the airplane moved at the same pace as walking; the journey would be interminable. And when you're seated in the airplane, you remain relatively stationary with respect to the aircraft itself."

"But Dad," came the curious interjection, "aren't airplanes fast because of their engines? The whole action-reaction principle that propels them forward?"

Dad's response was gentle but infused with an undercurrent of excitement for the conceptual leap they were about to make. "Absolutely, the action-reaction principle is indeed why airplanes can soar through the skies. This principle is a cornerstone of classical physics, describing how forces operate in pairs. However", he continued, his voice a bridge between familiar concepts and new frontiers, "when we delve into the realm of branes, we find a fascinating extension of this principle. Branes offer a more nuanced understanding of how objects can interact across different dimensions."

Leaning forward, Dad animated the discussion with a vivid analogy, "Think of it this way: in our everyday world, an airplane moves by pushing air behind it, which is a direct and observable action-reaction scenario. Now, imagine that within the context of branes, this principle is not just about physical forces but about the interplay between multiple dimensions. It's like the airplane not only pushes against the air but also interacts with the fabric of space and time itself, across different layers of reality. This doesn't negate the action-reaction principle; rather, it expands it to encompass interactions that are beyond our ordinary three-dimensional experience. The forces at play are not just between the airplane and the air but involve a more complex relationship with the universe's multidimensional structure."

"Oh", Jeha interjected, her confusion evident, "in the case of the train, I'm not within it, nor am I moving alongside it. I observe the train from a distance. If I were to watch an airplane take off from a field, I'd witness its motion while I remained stationary. Similarly, with the train's red wheels, I anticipate movement, yet it remains still."

Asher nodded, acknowledging Jeha's perspective. "Indeed, Jeha. An airplane's flight path exists within a visible brane, allowing us to perceive its movement. However, with the train scenario, we delve into the complexities of branes—higher-dimensional constructs that govern object behavior in ways not immediately perceptible."

He continued, delving into the intricacies. "Consider this: the airplane's flight path is configured to remain visible, facilitating our perception of its movement. For faster travel, one must navigate through alternate branes leading to the destination more efficiently. There are numerous branes to choose from, and airplanes excel at selecting swifter routes compared to traveling on foot."

Adding further complexity, Asher explained, "Complicating matters is the behavior of light, which also traverses via branes. What we perceive depends greatly on the pathways the light takes before reaching our eyes."

"Returning to your train", Asher elucidated, "When you assemble the train track and maneuver along it with colored wheels, In doing so, you essentially construct a brane that mirrors the shape of your track. We can pinpoint the train's position with a single variable, let's call it say $s$. Initially, placing the train on the track designates $s=0$. As you push it forward, $s$ increases; pushing it backward, $s$ decreases. Yet, $s$ cannot surpass the track's length."

Jeha absorbed the explanation, though still puzzled. "So, the train's motion within the track is constrained by this brane?"

Asher smiled patiently. "The branes take the shape of a line or a curve, in a higher-dimensional space. In our case, the train's motion along the track can be described within this one-dimensional framework."

As the dialogue unfolded, Jeha's curiosity surged, propelling her deeper into the enigmatic realm of branes and their implications for reality.

Asher continued to unravel the mysteries of branes, capturing Jeha's undivided attention. "The reason this brane might seem invisible is because light from other branes hasn't interacted with it yet. It's like a newly discovered island that's invisible to the rest of the world until someone stumbles upon it," he elucidated with a compelling analogy. "Moreover, the paths of this brane and others may cross, creating intersections where our visible reality could potentially collide with objects from unseen dimensions."

Eager to make these complex theories more comprehensible, Asher reached for the chalkboard, deftly picking up a piece of chalk. He embarked on a journey of translation, his hands gracefully moving to sketch equations and diagrams directly onto the board. These drawings served as bridges, transforming the ethereal concepts of branes and dimensional travel into visual representations that Jeha could grasp and visualize, further deepening her understanding and awe of the subject.

As Asher's chalk danced across the chalkboard, he smoothly transitioned into explaining the intricacies of brane-based mathematics. "Let's dive deeper into the mechanics of dimensional travel," he said, guiding Jeha's attention to the newly sketched diagrams.

Brane-based Mathematics

Pointing to the diagram, Asher continued, "We'll designate the starting point as $s_0$ and represent the distance pushed as $d$. Essentially, the train's position is the sum of its starting point and the total distance pushed. This principle underpins our journey through the dimensions, allowing us to navigate the complex terrain of branes and dimensional travel with precision."

Jeha absorbed the explanation with a nod, signaling her growing understanding as Asher delved deeper into the mathematical framework that governed the movement of the train along its track.

Asher expounded, "In our universe, branes can manifest as any function of a single variable. For the scenario with your train track, we can model your train's position on the elliptical track using a specialized wrap function, denoted as $s = \text{wrap}(s_0 + d, L)$, where $L$ is the length of the track. This function ensures that the train's position remains within the confines of the track, effectively wrapping around to the start if it exceeds the track's length, much like how the modulus operation works, but it's also adept at handling decimal values. This approach gives us a window into the complex world of brane-based mathematics."

He then clarified the mathematical definition:

$\text{wrap}(x,L) = x - L \cdot \left \lfloor x / L \right \rfloor$

The function $\left\lfloor x \right\rfloor$ is the floor operation, which rounds down to the nearest whole number, crucial for calculating how many times the length of the track fits into the current position.

As Asher unfolded these concepts, Jeha felt her understanding deepen, sparking a vivid imagination filled with the profound realities and the intricate interplay between the principles of mathematics and the mysterious nature of branes.

"It's fascinating to consider," Asher mused, "that our universe comprises a vast and interconnected network of branes. This network doesn't form a neat, orderly grid but rather a complex, entangled web, much like a chaotic jumble of spaghetti strands."

He continued, drawing a vivid parallel to help Jeha visualize the concept. "Introducing a new brane into this elaborate network can cause a ripple effect, shifting existing branes or even integrating with them. It's akin to dropping an additional strand of spaghetti into a bowl; it inevitably disturbs and intertwines with the others. This dynamic interaction underscores the complexity of our universe. So, when you tried to lift the track with the train, it's conceivable that it remained bound within its brane, unaffected by our conventional understanding of movement and space."

"Oh! I didn't try that," Jeha interjected hastily, "but I should give it a shot!"

"In cases where your brane repels other branes in the world, objects can become strongly attached to one another. Therefore, it's physically improbable for the train to detach from the track unless it connects to another brane that enables its movement away." Asher continued.

A soup of branes facilitates multidimensional travel imperceptible to our senses. Occasionally, longer branes naturally form, particularly higher up, providing pathways for movement. Airplanes strategically navigate these longer branes, enabling them to bypass the smaller branes that would otherwise impede their progress.

As one ascends from the surface of the land, the density of this vast brane soup diminishes, giving way to fewer, albeit longer, branes.

Gazing into the sky reveals a myriad of celestial bodies – the moon, stars, the sun, and distant planets – each traversing their own branes. The origins of these branes remain uncertain; it's unclear whether celestial bodies generate their own branes due to their mass or if the branes preexist and subsequently influence the formation of celestial bodies. It's conceivable that mass in motion through space gravitates towards longer branes, potentially contributing to the formation of celestial bodies along these pathways.

As Jeha absorbed her father's explanation, she realized the vast expanse of her ignorance about the world and its workings. She also grasped the subjective nature of understanding, acknowledging that each individual possesses a unique perspective. Over time, new models of physics emerge, offering fresh insights and explanations for phenomena. However, these models, while adept at explaining observed behaviors, may struggle to predict novel phenomena. They serve as frameworks that evolve with our understanding, adapting to accommodate new discoveries and challenges.

As Jeha wrapped up her chat with her dad, she couldn't shake off the feeling of being thrown into a whirlwind of new ideas about how the world worked. She marveled at how effortlessly her dad had explained these concepts that were entirely new to her. It made her wonder, how did he know all this stuff so casually when she had never heard of it before? It felt like she had stumbled into a rabbit hole of physics she didn't even know existed!

Lost in these musings, Jeha found herself back in her workshop, surrounded by the comforting scent of wood shavings and the familiar tools of her trade. The weight of her father's words lingered in the air, infusing her woodworking project with a newfound depth and significance.

The Journey Continues

The concepts of branes and the mysteries of the universe danced in Jeha's mind as she returned to her craft. The train, once a simple toy, now symbolized a bridge to unseen worlds, a vessel for traversing the fabric of reality itself.

However, amid Jeha's journey into the depths of meaning, she confronted a tangible setback—the disappearance of the original, meticulously crafted train, replaced only by rudimentary wooden blocks. Initially, frustration loomed large, casting a shadow over her efforts. Yet, with time, a profound realization unfolded. These blocks weren't mere substitutes; they embodied resilience, a return to fundamental principles upon which she could forge new insights.

Each challenge became a beacon of discovery. Jeha embraced obstacles with grace, seeing them not as defeats but as guideposts on her journey to greater wisdom.

As she worked, the line between her tangible world and the unseen realms discussed by her father began to blur. Lost in the act of creation, Jeha found herself delving deeper into uncharted territories, where making became a journey into the unknown.

In the tranquility of her workshop, now a gateway to realms beyond, Jeha realized that her engagement with woodworking transcended mere craftsmanship. It was a dialogue with the universe, an exploration of the mysteries that bound the material to the mystical.

As the day's light dimmed to a soft glow, Jeha paused to reflect on her journey. The train before her, simple in form but profound in significance, stood as a testament to her growth. It reminded her of her resilience, her capacity to find meaning in loss, and her unyielding quest for understanding.

Surrounded by the silent witnesses of her journey — her tools and her father's wisdom—Jeha felt a deep sense of fulfillment. She had uncovered not just the secrets of her craft but also the endless possibilities in the union of the material and the mystical. With this realization, she turned back to her workbench, ready to embark on the next phase of her journey, wherever it might lead.

As she began anew, Jeha knew that her exploration was far from over. The mysteries of the universe beckoned, and she eagerly embraced the journey ahead, fueled by the knowledge that every creation was a step closer to unraveling the cosmic branes of existence.

Thank you @Micah.Zoltu for comments. Follow Killari for more weird stuff!