Just a moment ago, they had done something unbelievable. Something against the very laws of physics. How had they succeeded? How had it been so easy? Maybe he would get his answers tomorrow; he would see himself explaining it to himself. Unveiling the formulas and revealing the secrets of the universe, perhaps even time itself. His career as a physicist would venture into new channels. Fame and fortune. Awards and research. Formulas that would have belonged to others, but which he would discover tomorrow. Was he a thief? No. Knowledge belongs to everyone. He would be an innovator, a pioneer. Yes, that is who he would be.
A snap of fingers brought him back to the room.
-Oleg must have had too many drinks already, Aljovich chuckled, snapping his fingers once more in front of Oleg's face.
-Naah, I haven't had more than a few, Oleg laughed and leaned back on the restaurant sofa. Detaching his gaze from the sea he had been observing through the window. The never-ending waves crashing against the rocks. The hypnotizing rhythm of each wave always being different from the last.
-Uncle, order some dessert for Oleg so he can keep the alcohol in his stomach! Aljovich laughed.
-Yes, and as I said, I had a bad feeling about that last number! We should have chosen the 19 we had been pondering in our minds at first, after all it is my birthday, Aljo continued the story of how they had bought the second-highest winning lottery-ticket at the kiosk. Sitting at the table, besides them were Aljo's cousin Natalya and her husband who owned the restaurant, a local drinking hero, and Aljovich's uncle Alexander. Alexander had just joined their company and was now listening to the story that had been told a dozen times already. Aljo talked more than necessary, but even as drunk as he was, he still knew how to keep quiet about how they had truly come up with the numbers. Although Alexander probably knew that too. After all, he was the one who had introduced Palmer to them.
Aljo was the towns’ news source and vice versa; he heard all the gossip but also passed it on. His storytelling was often winding yet somehow captivating. Even the purchase of their lottery ticket turned into a wild tale that enchanted the audience into a trance-like state. For this reason, at least in Oleg's own opinion, stories were often shared with him. People wished their stories would transform through him, gain some richness in them, and become something for others to admire. This skill, however, didn't make much money. So, the second best prize of the lottery was a huge sum for him. A huge sum of his own money.
-In conclusion I'm treating you all tonight, dear friends! You too, uncle, order something! And tell me, how is my old man doing? Aljo ended his story session.
-He's doing well. A bit busy with those foreigners, you understand. But don't worry, he's coming to visit you next week, Alexander smiled broadly and signaled a beer for himself.
-Let's toast to Aljo and Oleg! May their luck continue and grow! Alexander clinked glasses.
-Let's also toast to you, uncle, who has returned home! Aljo continued next.
-And to all our dear friends who have never left at all! Oleg celebrated. Reasons to raise their glasses kept coming and coming, and the toasts continued late into the night. After Aljo fell from the chair trying to order more beer, it was time to leave. They said goodbye to their friends, as Oleg led the joyfully singing Aljovich to the door.