Houlihan's Equation

"Houlihan's Equation" by Walter J. Sheldon is a mid-century science fiction story that tells about Kevin Francis Houlihan, a scientist at a nuclear propulsion center, whose life takes an strange turn when he meets leprechauns. The story explores imagination, belief, and how science and folklore can come together. Houlihan finds a group of little people in a park, and they are trying to build their own spaceship to escape Earth. They need Houlihan's help with a complex equation to control their ship. The tale follows Houlihan's change as he helps them, reconnects with his Irish roots, and understands the importance of old beliefs. In the end, he understands that helping the leprechauns isn't just for them but also offers a touch of magic to the scientific world, so he refuses the pot of gold reward.