Sci-Fi Summer Episode 3
- DFDarwoodWrites
- Jun 8
- 5 min read
Episode 3: The Map
Transmission Received Subject: Strange Stream, Glowing Map, and a Choice to Follow
You've just witnessed something wild: a stream flowing uphill and a glowing map that updates itself. That’s not ordinary—that’s brain-boosting! When you're curious and exploring with friends, your brain releases dopamine and oxytocin—those are your "feel-good" and "trust" chemicals. They help you work as a team and feel brave, even when things get strange. Keep your senses sharp and your minds open—there’s more to discover just around the bend.
🧠💧📍Your Adventure Brain is Activated.
The Map
“You think the map wants us to follow it?” Noah asked. “How can a map want something?”
“Well, the north point on the compass is glowing,” Javier said. “What other explanation could it be?”
“Uh, you could be seeing things,” Noah replied.
“Not likely,” Rachel said. “Noah, let’s just follow it. You guys know your way around these woods. We won’t get lost.”
Rachel shocked herself a little when she heard what she was saying.
“What are you afraid of?” Javier teased. “You think we’ll get lost in space or something.”
“I’m not afraid. I just think a map with a golden compass rose that has a glowing north point is kind of weird,” Noah replied.
Noah wasn’t really afraid, but he thought it made sense to question a map that was calling the shots. That was just how he operated.
“Well, we’re together. Let’s just promise to always stay within arm’s reach of each other and we should be fine,” Rachel said. “Is that a deal? We stay within arm’s reach…always.”
Rachel made her cousins promise. Rachel’s dad always told her, “Baby girl, if we stay within arm’s reach, I can get to you.” He used that phrase for many situations, and it made her feel reassured. It definitely fit here.
Now the trio walked north, which was their original plan anyway. The three seemed quite calm and confident.
“You think the map is leading us to food?” Javier asked. “I think I dreamt of a map leading us to food.”
“I know you dreamt of a map leading you to food.” Noah laughed.
“I just can’t believe you’re so skinny, the way you’re always thinking about eating!” Rachel remarked.
“How long have we been walking?” Javier asked. “Am I the only one who’s hungry?”
Rachel was the only one wearing a watch. Javier and Noah never carried a watch on their treks because time wasn’t important to them when they hiked. But now, since they had decided to follow a map, Javier wanted to know how long the three had been walking so he could gauge when the sun would set.
“We’ve been gone for a little more than an hour.” Rachel glanced at her watch. “When we left home, it was 12:30 p.m., and it’s 1:40 p.m. now.”
“Good thing you have a watch,” Noah said. “We hardly ever carry one with us.”
“What else did you bring?” Javier stopped and so did his cousins.
“Well, this bag was kind of packed with my stuff, so I just grabbed an extra blanket.” Rachel remembers.
“Luckily for you guys, even though I’m tough, I still carry girly things in my backpack.”
“Why is that lucky for us?” Javier said. “Will we be needing a lip gloss or some lotion?”
“Hey, I carry more than lipstick and lotion. Thank you very much,” Rachel said.
“Um, guys?” Noah tried to interrupt.
The two kept chatting about the contents of Rachel’s backpack.
“Guys! Guys!” Noah said in his loudest voice without screaming.
“What?!” They both replied with excitement.
“I think that’s a stream ahead. How can that be a stream?” Noah said in shock. They began to quick-step toward the stream.
“We’ve done this path a few times. There’s never been a stream,” Noah said.
“You’re right; there was no stream,” Javier added.
The trio stepped closer and closer, first cracking a few branches, then avoiding rocks. The rocks got smaller until the ground beneath their feet was just dirt, and they stood at a flowing stream. The boys didn’t know what to think. They knew with certainty that no stream flowed on this path.
“Where is this stream headed?” Noah looked left and right. “There’s no river downhill.”
“Well, it did rain earlier today. Maybe it’s just ground water,” Javier noted.
Noah took a wide step so he stood on the opposite side of the stream from his cousins.
“It didn’t seem like it rained enough to make the groundwater rise and create a stream this size,” Noah said.
“I know I’m not the expert here, but do you guys notice anything else?” Rachel asked.
“What?” Javier asked.
“Aren’t we at an elevation? Shouldn’t this stream be flowing downhill?” Rachel pointed at the flowing leaves.
They all knelt down and leaned in close to the stream.
“This stream is flowing uphill!” They all said in amazement.
Again they froze, staring in wonder.
“Guys, look at the map.” Rachel had pulled it out of her pocket.
“The stream on the map is glowing blue!” Javier noticed.
“It’s like the map wants us to follow the stream,” Noah said. Noah laughed inside when he heard himself say what the map “wanted.”
“I didn’t even notice this stream when we first picked up the map.” Javier took the map and examined it. “It’s like things are appearing on the map at the right moment.”
They looked back at the stream. Javier noticed some white pebbles and pointed.
“What kind of rock is that?” Javier asked. “I’ve never seen rocks like that in this area.”
“It’s a supernatural rock,” Rachel said. “Just like this supernatural map.”
“Let’s follow the stream and the rocks.”
They all agreed. The trio didn’t hesitate. Javier passed the map to Rachel. They walked alongside the stream and glanced every now and then at the upward-flowing stream and the “supernatural” rock, which seemed to be leading them somewhere special and off their path.
Science Behind the Scenes
The Brain Chemistry That Makes Teams Work
You’ve probably heard people say, “Great teams have great chemistry.” That’s not just a saying—it’s true! Our brains have special chemicals that help us work better with others. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters, and they help with things like feeling happy, building trust, and working as a team.
Here are three important brain chemicals that help teams do well:
1. Dopamine – The Motivation Booster
Dopamine is the brain’s “feel-good” chemical. We get it when we do something great or reach a goal. It makes us feel proud and excited to do more.👉 Leaders and teachers can help by celebrating small wins and cheering on their team.
2. Serotonin – The Trust Builder
Serotonin helps us feel safe and happy. It helps people trust each other, which is super important when working in a group.👉 We can grow trust by being kind, listening, and sharing ideas without fear.
3. Oxytocin – The Friendship Glue
Oxytocin is known as the “love hormone.” It helps us feel close and connected to others. When a team feels like a family, it’s usually because there’s lots of oxytocin.👉 Spending time together and doing fun team activities helps this grow!
In Short:
When people feel good, safe, and connected, they work better as a team. These brain chemicals help teams cheer each other on, solve problems together, and do amazing things!
Captains Journal - For the Younger Reader
Emotion Check-In: Circle how you feel today – 😲 Surprised, 😬 Nervous, 😎 Confident, 🤔 Curious
Sketch Box: Draw the stream or the glowing compass.
Captain’s Orders: If you were in charge today, what would be your next move?
🧭 Mission Orders
Share with a young person
Find a sci-fi book and give it as summer reading gift
🌠 End Transmission
DF here. We'll sign in next week.
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