Barnstormer

The sky was green. The world moved in the distance. It sounded like a freight train, but not as quiet. Everything shook. Hard.

Tobias Vale turned sixteen that morning, and he was the first one out of the bunker. Mom, Dad, and both sisters emerged.

"House looks good, Dad, but the mailbox is gone." Tobias looked toward the fields, no longer obstructed by the barn. "Barn's totaled."

"I guess we'll have to rebuild," said Mr. Vale. "Grab a new kit from the cellar."

"Same settings as last time?"

"Bigger hay loft. Don't forget the weather vane this time."

"Dad? What's that?" Where the barn once stood, a sparkly new Vortex S hovered.

"Planned to surprise you tonight. Happy birthday, buddy."

"Can I take it for a spin?"

Mr. Vale tossed Tobias the keys to the new flying saucer. "Make it quick. Chores. Supper in twenty."

Tobias grinned. He hopped in the machine, hovered for a few seconds, and blasted off. He traced the border of Texas and headed home.

Tobias grabbed the barn kit and entered the settings. Almost forgot the rooster vane. As the nanos finished the barn, Mom rang the dinner bell.

It was the best birthday ever.