𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐀 𝐏𝐔𝐌𝐏𝐊𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐈𝐄?

004: EGGS

"Today, we're diving into the mechanics of hydraulic presses. These machines use fluid power to generate immense force for various applications."

Nathan leaned forward, intrigued. Hydraulic presses, those giants were capable of shaping metal, moulding materials, and even flattening cars like pancakes. He'd seen videos of them in action, and now he had a chance to understand the science behind their might.

Physics was his favourite and he was pretty sure he could get a scholarship for this. One A+ from Agnes could score him a place in his favourite university. Yes.

"Your assignment is to research and present on different types of hydraulic presses. We're talking about the variety out there, each with its unique purpose."

Nathan's mind raced. Different types? He nodded eagerly.

"Excellent!" The teacher clapped his hands.
"Here's what I want you to explore: H-Frame Press, C-frame press, four column press, straight side press, eccentric press and deep drawing press. Each type has its strengths and limitations. Explore their working principles, applications, and any interesting historical tidbits."

...

Nathan stood there, his breath catching in the cavernous space of the factory. Denzo cars, with their sleek lines and polished surfaces, surrounded him. But it wasn't the cars that held his attention; it was the monstrous straight side press that both fascinated and terrified him.

He knew his assignment would be the best. Nobody could even get with the perimeters of the Denzo car factory but his rich dad had got him right inside. It was a win-win situation.

"You see those massive steel plates? That's the bed. It moves up and down, stamping out car parts with precision. But don't let its size fool you; it demands respect." The instructor kept repeating. Nathan heard a few and let most of them go above his head.

"Now, pay attention. Safety first. Never put your hands or any body part near the blank holder when it's active. That's where accidents happen. And trust me, you don't want to be on the receiving end of this beast."

Nathan nodded nervously, "Understood. No body parts near the blank holder. Got it."

"Last thing, kid. That control panel—it's off-limits. Don't even think about flipping any switches. We've had rookies lose fingers that way. Got it?"

"No switches. Got it. But what if—"

"No 'what ifs.' Just stay curious, but stay alive."

And then the instructor left, a casual wave of dismissal. "Don't touch anything," he warned, disappearing into the maze of machinery.

Nathan was left alone, surrounded by the ghosts of countless cars waiting to be born. His fingers itched to explore, to understand what made this beast tick. He glanced at the control panel, the switches like forbidden fruit.

He would just take a peek.

Curiosity, however, was a relentless companion. Nathan crouched beside the press, peering into its guts. The bed was cold and unforgiving, its surface scarred by years of service. He wondered about the force it exerted, the power that could shape steel like clay. His head dipped lower, and he squinted into the darkness beneath.

Then, inexplicably, he did something foolish. Perhaps it was the desperation to impress, the gnawing fear of failure. Nathan wedged his head between the bed and the piston, ignoring the warning bells in his mind. The machine had been turned off; what harm could it do?

It was dark. He tried to squint, not nothing. As Nathan's eyes adjusted to the dimness, the press stirred. A low rumble, like a beast awakening. Panic surged through him; he tried to pull back, but his hands were trapped. The blank holder clamped down, locking him in place. His heartbeat drowned out the world.

"HELP!"

He scrawled, head turning to where the instructor had left from. Evelyn was there.

She stood by the switch, her expression unreadable. In her hands, a large bowl.

A heave of sigh went through him. "Thank goodness you are here. Please switch it off. Please!"
Nathan's voice cracked as he screamed for help, but Evelyn remained unmoved.

"Evelyn, Ev—"

The piston descended, inexorable. Nathan's mind raced. He strained against the metal jaws, willing them to relent. But Evelyn's eyes held him captive, her silence louder than any scream. The bowl tilted, revealing a whisker and emptiness.

And then darkness swallowed him.

Evelyn turned to her right, pulling down the barrel and setting the machine off. She walked up to the press, her eyes scrutinising the spilled remnants of Nathan's brain. He fingers worked fast as she scooped it into the bowl she was holding.

I have to get rid of the bits of shell.

The list had marked off one more thing.
Eggs.

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