16 July 2026, Freewriters Community Daily Writing Prompt Day 3166: butterfly effect
“So, you're telling me there's a chance.”
Nine-year-old George Ludlow was learning about the butterfly effect from eight-year-old Gracie Trent while Gracie's grandmother, Gladys Jubilee Trent, smiled at the left turn George's mind was making and Gracie's attempt to course correct.
“Look, George, it is true that the air moved by a butterfly flapping may be enough to start a hurricane. So you might be able to launch into space by eating enough beans if you time it just right, but you ain't gonna make it unless you really do.”
“Whaddya mean?”
“If you don't make escape velocity, you're falling back into the arms of your grandfather.”
“Oh, yeah, right, that part, uh … yeah.”
“You probably missed your chance with Hurricane Mneme and whatever butterfly started that, but, they don't really do space launches in the rain,” Gracie said.
“No, but if I have Grayson build me a rocket, I will have him include windshield wipers,” George said. “But this thing about escape velocity – how fast are we even talking here?”
“Fast,” Gracie said. “You know how you and Milton can't even outrun your dad and even your grandfather?”
“Yeah, but see, Papa is built different – don't let the white hair fool you,” George said.
“The point is, y'all do not have escape velocity at all,” Gracie said, “because y'all never escape.”
George considered this.
“What about if I eat the beans, get a running start, and then jump into Grayson's wagon and roll and start gassing?” he said.
“You already know Grayson is gonna hit you with the gottagobye on that one,” Gracie said.
“Yeah, can't do anything with his Lego mover,” George said.
“You think Rob is the baby brother who will beat you down?” Gracie said. “Try that on Grayson and find out!”
“Yeah, even Edwina has learned not to mess with Grayson!” George said. “I love that boy but he is just Papa sitting there quiet and we need to keep him quiet – but hey, wait a minute – hey, Grayson!”
Six-year-old Grayson Ludlow duly appeared at his brother's call, and was glad to see Gracie and came to give her a hug (“Hey, grandson-in-law!” Mrs. Jubilee Trent said with a laugh in her head) before hearing out the conversation.
“So, basically, we need a bean-gas powered rocket,” George said.
“Ain't no we because I'm not dealing with all that smelling,” Gracie said.
“Well, I need it, then, and make it big enough for Milton because he is up for the bean burrito part,” George said.
Grayson considered this for a long moment, and then shook his head.
“Nope,” he said. “You gonna go out there and cause air pollution in space and have the aliens mad at us like we all got mad on that bus one time when somebody had way too much Taco Bell. Nope.”
George considered this, and then sighed.
“I forgot about that,” he said. “The universe may not be ready for the Taco Bell effect.”
“Ain't it the truth, George,” Gracie said, “ain't it the truth.”