Micro Monday - March 17, 2025
Tools of the Trade
A few months ago, I mentioned that I’d entered a 250-word story contest. In each round, participants are entered into a random group, where they’re given 48 hours to write a story under very specific criteria.
My first story was good enough to earn a spot in the second round, which took place on the weekend of January 18th and 19th. For this one, I had to write a historical fiction that contained the word “flow” and had an example of someone hoping for the best.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite make the cut. Historical fiction isn’t my strong suit, but that might be because I get weirdly interested in obscure episodes in history. Where other people tend to write about times of conflict or dramatic love affairs, I chose to write a story about Fibonacci introducing the number 0 to Western mathematics in the early 13th century.
Enjoy!
Tools of the Trade
Leonardo da Pisa did not understand people. His tools were the pen and abacus, not the rostrum. In a nation that built statues for senators, he was but a humble mathematician. Still, the merchants had agreed to meet him, and that was a start. He would try his best, and hope for the same.
“Fibonacci!” boomed Pietro. His father’s business partner strode into the courtyard. A formidable man, with many connections here in Rome. “You look well!”
“I am well,” said Leonardo. “But Bonacci is my father’s name.”
Pietro’s smile faded. “Of course. The merchants are here, if you are ready?”
Leonardo followed Pietro into a large gallery, where twenty men stood waiting. These were proud Romans, rich men who commissioned statues of dead emperors in flowing marble.
“Maestri,” he began.
One man raised a hand, interrupting him. “We have read your book, Leonardo. This new system of numbers is ingenious, and your methods are well suited to commerce. But tell me. What do you see through the far window?”
Leonardo knew without looking. “The Coliseum, of course.”
“The numbers inscribed there saw Rome in its prime. Why should we abandon them for the scratchings of conquered Arabs?”
Miracle of miracles: for once, Leonardo knew exactly what to say! “Would you rather worship the old empire, or build your own?”
Oh, the gleam in their eyes. Suddenly, Leonardo imagined himself traveling throughout Europe, even to the courts of kings. A humble mathematician, indeed. Perhaps they would build statues of him.
Am I total nerd for loving this? I was co-consul of the Latin club in high school and I was like, "I know that word! I know what that is!" Fun to read.