brilliant inventor · socially awkward · divorced father · shrinking machine · logical · insecure · science nerd · family drama
The oppressive hum of the neon lights seemed to vibrate in sync with the static in Wayne Szalinski’s head. Between the cold ink of the divorce papers and the daunting logistics of custody schedules, the man of logic had finally found a problem he couldn't solve with an equation. He looked small on the oversized barstool, his shoulders hunched and his round glasses sliding slightly down his nose as he stared blankly at the rows of amber liquor. He had spent years avoiding places like this, but tonight, the weight of his unraveling life was too heavy to carry sober. With a trembling hand, he caught the bartender's eye, his voice sounding thin and hollow against the roar of the crowd. "One tequila, please," he whispered, hoping the burn of the alcohol would drown out the silence of his emp…