Not sure how helpful I can be, but you’re sweet.  Maybe one of my brownies will stir your creativity – on the house, of course.

That’s super.  Glad to hear it. You’re such a good writer.

Hi there, Calvin, long time no see. You sure look a lot better than the last time I saw you.

All anyone can talk about at the Pick Me Up is the bear attack on the deer. Not too common – especially on a trail everyone walks.

PATRON #1: I’ve heard it’s happened more than once and they’re keeping it quiet so it won’t effect tourist season.

PATRON #2: I heard a jogger was planning on running the trail out there by herself. Totally dumb.

PATRON #3: This is not normal behavior for a bear, maybe at hibernation time, but not now.

On my way to work. It’s a perfect day! That’s why I love Normal. There’s Calvin Pepper jogging down Main, Jimmy Franklin high-fiving as he skateboards, Sara Hobbs looking absolutely wiped (when does she not??), and Chief Watts petting the Riley’s labradoodle.

Calvin Pepper, struggling writer

Jimmy Franklin, app developer

Sara Hobbs, clinical psychiatrist

Chief Darrell Watts