hat do you want to do today, Gumball?’ Darwin asked.

The Watterson kids sat in front of the house that belonged to their neighbours, the Robinsons.

‘I’m waiting right here for Mum to drive me to the Elmore Senior Talent Show,’ Gumball said excitedly.

‘Mr Robinson’s headlining.’

Gumball held up a flyer. It featured Mr Robinson prominently. It also clearly said ‘Strictly no Gumball’ at the bottom of the flyer.

‘But you’re not invited,’ Darwin noted with a frown.

‘I don’t care,’ Gumball replied. ‘Tonight’s the biggest night of Mr Robinson’s life and I have to be there.’

‘Aahh! Tonight’s the night, Margaret,’ Mr Robinson said to his wife. ‘This town’s finally going to see the REAL Gaylord Robinson!’ he promised.

‘Tut, huh,’ Mrs Robinson scoffed.

‘Why can’t you ever be happy for me?’ Mr Robinson complained as he drove up to their house.

Mr Robinson put the car in reverse to back into his driveway. Gumball, who was sitting right in his parking spot, started shrieking.

‘Save yourselves! It’s too late for me,’ he cried to Darwin.

‘Just get over here on the footpath, dude,’ Darwin said, trying to calm his best friend and big brother.

‘Please remember me, guys, so I’ll always be alive in your heart,’ Gumball droned on.

‘Huh? Oh, for crying out loud!’ Mr Robinson said when he spotted Gumball. He honked his horn.

‘My whole life is flashing before my eyes,’ Gumball continued. ‘And it’s boring. Aagghh!’

‘Darned kids,’ Mr Robinson said.

He stopped the car. Suddenly Gumball appeared flattened against the windscreen.

‘You saved my life, Mr Robinson!’ Gumball gushed at his hero.

‘I didn’t save your life. I just didn’t run you over!’ Mr Robinson protested.

‘Now get outta my way!’

‘No way! I’m not leaving your side until I’ve saved your life in return,’ Gumball promised.

‘Get off my car! Don’t make me shout at you!’ Mr Robinson shouted.

‘I gotta save my voice for tonight.’

Mrs Robinson released the bonnet. It sprang open and launched Gumball skyward. He flew into space.

‘Oh, dear universe above me, thank you for the gift of Mr Robinson,’ Gumball said with heart. ‘I swear on my life that I WILL repay this debt.’