章 40: Chapter 39

This episode added a vibrant touch to Clark's otherwise routine kindergarten life, something to think back on with a smile.

After a few days, Clark's short-lived kindergarten journey came to an end, and it was finally time for the family trip Mike had planned. Excitement buzzed in the air as Mike prepared the three little ones and got everything ready for the road. He'd arranged for Bob and his wife to look after the farm while they were away, allowing them a worry-free adventure.

With everything packed, Mike loaded the kids into the car, starting their self-guided road trip south. They hit the road with a cheer.

"Woohoo!" shouted the three little ones, thrilled by the freedom and change of scenery. They stared wide-eyed at the landscape whipping past the window, the wind from the open car windows lifting their hair in playful wisps. The three siblings turned to each other, laughing at how silly the wind made them look, pointing and giggling in the back seat.

Glancing in the rearview mirror, Mike smiled at the sight of their happiness. Reaching forward, he clicked on the car's CD player, filling the car with cheerful tunes. As Mike hummed along, the kids eagerly joined in, their voices blending into a chorus that filled the car with joy.

But, as with most things, the thrill began to fade as they traveled farther. The three kids started to notice the endless, almost repetitive scenery of roads, fields, and greenery, and soon, their lively chatter turned to yawns, and one by one, they drifted off to sleep.

Mike chuckled, noting how quickly the little ones had run out of steam. A little patience would go a long way, he mused. It was often the journey itself that made arriving so special, the quiet anticipation building a sense of fulfillment at the end. After several hours, they finally arrived at their first destination—a charming, picturesque town nestled among rolling hills.

"Alright, everyone, wake up!" Mike called, tapping on the car door. The kids slowly opened their eyes, blinking at the new surroundings, and quickly grew alert, hopping out of the car with renewed energy. After a quick meal at a local restaurant, they set out to explore the town.

The scenery was breathtaking, with fresh, clean air and views stretching over the gentle hills behind the town. By evening, after hours of sightseeing, they made their way back down and checked into a small inn for the night, resting up for the next leg of their journey.

The following morning, they set off again, taking their time to savor each new destination. From scenic towns to lively markets and local festivals, every stop brought a new experience. Mike watched with satisfaction as the kids absorbed it all with wide-eyed wonder, and they continued their journey, savoring the adventure.

One bright morning, after camping under the stars, they packed up their breakfast, cleaned the campsite, and started on the road. But just as they were nearing the next destination, disaster struck—the car broke down.

"Uh-oh," Mike muttered as he pulled over. He stepped out to check on the smoking engine, hands on his hips, his gaze serious. The three kids followed, gathering around the front of the car with equally thoughtful expressions, their arms crossed and their chins propped up, mimicking their dad.

Mike glanced at Clark, raising an eyebrow. "Clark, maybe you could push us the rest of the way?"

Clark chuckled nervously, shaking his head as his brothers chimed in, enthusiastically encouraging the idea. "You're my dad, right?" he asked.

"Why wouldn't he be?" quipped Eric, eager as ever.

Their brotherly banter brought a smile to Mike's face as he popped the hood and inspected the car's innards. "Well, can you fix it?" Charles asked, tilting his head and fully prepared to offer a round of applause if Mike succeeded.

"Nope," Mike replied with a shrug.

Charles blinked in surprise, while Eric burst into laughter. "So we're really going to let Clark push us?" he teased.

The other two kids, aware of Clark's unique abilities, chuckled, but Clark looked less amused. Mike sighed, glancing at the three of them. If they were adults, we wouldn't have this problem, he thought, a hint of resignation coloring his expression.

"Let's wait for help," he said, steering the kids to the side of the road. They stood together, waving hopefully as cars occasionally sped past, though none stopped to lend a hand. Mike's patience wore thin as time ticked by, and only three cars came along, none able to assist.

Eventually, he looked down at the three sleepy faces, thinking they should at least rest in the car, but they refused, determined to stick by him. Just as they were about to give up, a car finally pulled over.

"Hey, do you need some help?" a kind-looking man called out, leaning out of his window. Mike squinted, feeling a strange familiarity.

"We sure do," Mike replied gratefully, watching the man as he got out and walked over to the engine.

The man took a look under the hood and quickly assessed the situation. "Looks like you'll need a couple of new parts," he said, closing the hood. "There's a small town nearby; I can take you there if you'd like."

Mike looked back at the kids, who were practically bouncing with excitement at the chance to get moving again. "Thank you so much," he replied, extending a hand. "I'm Mike Kent, by the way."

The man smiled warmly, shaking Mike's hand. "Phil Coulson," he introduced himself.

The name clicked instantly. Phil Coulson, Mike thought with a nod. So that's why he looked familiar. His friendly demeanor and unassuming appearance fit exactly with the good-guy image he had in mind.

Gathering up their belongings, Mike and the kids high-fived in relief and loaded into Phil's car. Soon, they reached the small town, and Mike got the car into a repair shop, where he learned it wouldn't be ready until the next day. Deciding to make the most of it, he began making arrangements for them to stay the night in town.

"Planning to stay around?" Coulson asked, glancing between Mike and the kids. "I'm headed to this new scenic area, the Greenland Camp. There's a gorgeous lake there, and under the moonlight, it's supposed to look like a field of crystals. You should come; I've got a friend waiting for me there."

Mike turned to the kids. "What do you think?"

The kids' faces lit up, and they all shouted in unison, "Let's go!"