I am The Bard, who taught men their first magics, which to this day endure when all others have. It is written into the blood and bones of all you have built, and so I shall never die.
I did not teach you how to dream. I only taught how to tell a dream to another who you would never know.
The phone rang. Karna didn’t bother to pick it up. The message machine clicked for a moment, tape starting to turn backwards as new words were written onto it. It clicked again, stopping dead. Karna didn’t look up from his meal of leftover takeout. He finished his noodles, checked again to see if there was any shrimp left, and sighed as he threw the box at the bin. It bounced off the others already filling it up.
He sighed, rubbing his head and eyes. Healing magic could cure a hangover. It couldn’t do anything about dehydration. He needed to get up and get a drink. He went over to his cabinet and looked around for a glass. When he didn’t find a clean one, he grabbed a coffee mug instead. It was the last one. He was also out of coffee. Irritating. No matter how much of it he drank, he was still tired. It just meant he couldn’t sleep.
Sex helped, a bit, but when it didn’t, things were worse. Lying alone in his own bed, at least he could toss and turn and work his sheets into tangles trying to find some position that would let him finally fall asleep. He could slip out of bed for a nightcap, a strong one, to try and help. With another, there was nothing to do but lie there, still and silent, trying not to wake the man or woman next to him.
Trying not to think.
Impossible to sleep, then suddenly too much sleep. Blink and it was three-thirty in the afternoon. He stood at the sink, filling up the mug and draining it repeatedly. The call was probably from work. Worse, it might be his mother.
”Karna, what the fuck are you doing with your life you useless bastard. You’re not immortal, it’s all slipping away, one day, one minute at a time, and here you are doing nothing with it.” He said to himself. “Because you’re too tired to anything and still can’t sleep.” Of course, he knew why. His mind, treacherous as a serpent, betrayed him then, in the dark, in the solitude. Every wound he had suffered, every scar erased by healing magic, those were nothing. He was a paladin, the training had gotten him used to the sight of his own blood a long time ago.
”Practice for healing magic. Isn’t that what the old sister called it?” He wondered aloud. “Tch. She was kind of a bitch. Still is. I wonder if she’s calling me to yell at me too? Of course, I suppose I deserve it. I-“Then he stopped himself, and slammed the mug down, forcefully. It hit one of the plates in the sink, and it cracked. Karna swore and picked up the mess, picking the shards of metal out of his sink and throwing them in the boxes in the bin.
He sat back down in the one seat he used at his four-person table. It was covered in books, loose change, an unopened letter from some survey, a candle, a mug, miscellaneous bits of stationary, a comically large six sided die with red and black patterns, and off directly to his left a stick of deodorant and bottle of cologne. Those last two were the only things he’d used on this table in a while.
He sat back in his chair and sighed. “Yeah, you know exactly what you’re doing with your life. Nothing of any use to anyone. Well. Useless is better than detrimental, so hey, at least there’s that improvement.”
He hit the button to play back the latest message from his telephone, and picked it up, placing the receiver to his ear. At least he could listen to his messages. That would be something for the day.
”Hey, Karna. It’s Bas.” Karna’s head slumped forwards. He hadn’t expected him to be calling to call him an idiot. “I’ve tried coming by your place a couple of times to visit, seem to have missed you both times.” Or he was asleep, or drunk, or otherwise being a bad cousin. “So, I figured I’d give you a call and leave you a message. Just checking in to see how you’re doing. I know… things have been rough, for all of us, and I know you were taking things hard.” I know you’re weak. “I hope you’re doing well, and hope you understand, if you’re not, then, well, you’ve got my number, and you know where I live. Even though my apartment’s not exactly stellar.” I know you could reach out. But you won’t. You’ve been given everything, inherited power, your house, your money, and you still do nothing with it. I have nothing our society considers important, but I am still a better man than you. “Hope to talk to you soon. Adonai watch over you.”
That last bit was a bit odd. Adonai. The old invisible god, or God, as those that believed in such a thing insisted. Karna wasn’t entirely certain that this wasn’t just a clever way of disguising atheism, given that philosophy’s associations. Why in the world would Basil mention it now? As far as he knew… well he really actually didn’t know anything about Basil’s beliefs. He presumed, given his training, he was a follower of the western philosophies, which were philosophies more so than religions. They were fairly popular these days, a sort of secular spirituality, a substitute for the holes growing in Ordani religious life.
When you’ve fought and killed a god in living memory, it becomes harder to worship them. Beyond that, the old rites simply that, old rites. A series of rituals nobody really believed in anymore. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen a cleric. He paused. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen a cleric he hadn’t been fighting to the death with. The gods really didn’t seem to have much of a place in a modern society. It was probably arrogant, but part of the point of the gods was meant to be that they were something so much bigger than oneself, that there was nothing that could compare. They were monumental figures, but when the monuments can be torn down by mere men, was it a monument worth believing in?
It was that way then. Some people turned to the western philosophies, realizing that their religious needs, the desire for mystery, for reverence, for prayer, meditation, moral laws and sacred communities were met there, without gods. Some, Basil included, turned their gaze towards an invisible, supposedly omnipotent, God. Well, the gods were supposed to be omnipotent, but if nobody could even prove your God existed, well, then there wasn’t any fear that anyone could kill Him. And then, there was the other kind. The kind which were kind of a bad joke.
He remembered his days in the warm sun, under the abbot’s orchard in Hearthfire Abbey, amid the warm red walls, the golden light of the day filtering through the green leaves, the bright red apples highlighted against a blue sky. Quite literally simpler times. He remembered the grave beneath the tree. Senket Zarathustra. Of course, that wasn’t really where she was. She was a few miles up the road, in a chapel nobody paid any mind to, next to six other graves, two empty. How much a contrast that was, compared with what was in the abbey. Her image, glaring down from tapestry, immortalized in statuary, and everywhere revered. Saint, they called her, but what was the difference between a saint and a god, when you treated one like the other.
They had made gods for themselves, gods born of and midwives to, their own people. A god that was distant enough to be worshipped, but near enough to be known. Something understood, something relatable, and something that had bested other gods before. Gods borne of the people of godslayers, for what else could they be? Of course, every pantheon needed its devil, its fallen angel. And now here he stood, a useless bastard, but also the same kind of thing as their gods and their devil. What a bad joke.
But at the same time, a joke they had believed in. A joke he felt the obligation to make a truth. A joke he had failed to make true. Up on a pedestal, and down in the dirt. That was what paladin of Order Undivided meant now. A hero, until people had no more need of them. Good, he wasn’t even a hero in the first place.
He shook his head. It was going to be a few hours before any clubs opened. He was going back to bed until then. It didn’t do him any good to sit awake stewing.
Basil was getting worried. He’d tried paying visits and making calls, but there was no contact. He quietly sat through office hours, grading the first assignments of the year. He was starting to regret assigning an essay, particularly to his 101 class. Fortunately, it was early in the year, so he was able to work through his office hours without being further disturbed. He finished his last paper, capped the red pen, and stood up. It wasn’t that far out of his way to visit Karna again, and this time he wouldn’t be ignored.
He made his way through the city, until he came to the Red Street. It had another name, but people remembered not what was given, but what was done. Fifty years ago, the blood of black and red lions flowed, as Elsior faced down her old mentor during the height of the black rebellion. The street’s architecture was eclectic, a mix of the old buildings which had survived the battle, and newer designs built up out of the ruins left from a clash of titans.
There were alleys off the street where you could still see the gashes left in the ground by arcane blades. It was a street where history lay heavy in the mortar and the air. It was also a decently affordable neighborhood, as the old houses, while historical, were also old, small, and lacked modern amenities. He was still never going to afford any of them on a teacher’s salary, even with his stipend as a paladin. Of course, Karna would have had a bitch of a time paying for his house as well, but he had simply inherited it.
Basil shook his head, as if to throw the jealous thought out of his mind. “You’re a grey-eyed monster already. Let’s not add green to the mix.” He growled at himself, as he kept walking up to Karna’s door and knocked. No response. He sighed, looking through the door. Only two of his eyes saw the normal spectrum of light. The others varied from arcane, ultraviolet, infrared, and a curious ability to see electrical signals. The end result was an overlapping view of information, an in-depth view of the world that saw the surface and the depths of everything. It had been a bit of a rude surprise for his parents to find out their son saw their brains at the same time he saw their faces. The practical upshot of this at the moment was that he saw Karna was clearly not at home, and had left a trail of lingering celestial energy behind him.
Well, Karna or another aasimar, but they were fairly rare. Even with the increasing numbers of extraplanar citizens in the union, there weren’t many descended from angels. Basil wryly considered that it might be the former keeping out the later. Baatorites weren’t strictly speaking enemies with most angels, but the distaste between the two species was deep, ancient, and mutual. As such, there was only one trail to follow.
Basil sighed when he found the end of the trail. It was a club, and of a particular sort. He didn’t need his enhanced vision to tell that. Technically speaking, strip clubs and even prostitution were legal. Practically speaking, everyone in any of them used pseudonyms. He sighed and headed for the entrance. The bouncer at the door, a towering ogre, raised a hand. “If you’re carrying, head around to the side entrance. They’ll check your swords there. No weapons in the club.”
”Not planning on starting a fight. Just looking to meet someone.”
”Yeah, well check em anyway. We’ve had boyfriends throwing hands with one another because they were looking at the guy on stage a little too hard, we don’t want em doing it with swords. That’s the kind of domestic dispute that doesn’t just get the cops involved, it’s also a bitch to get out of the floors.”
”Well, I’ll keep that in mind.” Basil replied, and headed around the side. He stepped in, greeted by another bouncer, a dragonborn. He always found it amusing how it was always one of the larger races as a bouncer. Given their job, it made a certain degree of sense, but it occurred to him he’d never seen a gnome as a bouncer. Then again, he didn’t go to many clubs. He checked his sword in, and left a pseudonym.
The dragonborn looked down at the paper, and narrowed his eyes slightly. “What’s the T.D. stand for, Mr. Law?” He asked curiously.
Basil shrugged. “Hells if I know, it’s an alias, same as everyone else is using here. I mean, look at the guy above me on that list, when was the last time you ever met somebody actually named Flamingo?”
”The guy kinda looked like a flamingo. Aasimar type, maybe his wings are pink.” The bouncer replied.
”If he’s the person I’m thinking of, no. Let’s hope they don’t start changing.” Basil replied.
”Ah, ex-boyfriend?”
”Cousin, and why’d you assume ex?”
”The only people I’ve seen who’ve been drinking that much and going home with that many different blokes are the ones going through breakups, and you’re the only person I’ve seen go looking for him, so I know he’s not a whore.”
”Nah, just a dumbass. Thanks for the info. Here’s hoping you have a quiet night.”
”Yeah, try to keep it that way for me.”
”I’ll do my best. Believe it or not, I hate fighting.” Basil replied, and headed past the dragonborn into the club proper.
To give the club some credit, they had a pretty decent band going. A small number, playing as much with style as they did skill. That was to say, a decent if unspectacular amount. The rolling tones of the lead singer washed over an atmosphere of casual conversation and lewd humor. Basil cocked an ear at the sound. He would have sworn he’d heard the woman on the radio at least once. He watched her closely for a moment, along with the rest of the band, but didn’t recognize them. Then again, he didn’t go to many concerts.
As the double bass thrummed, the piano crooned, and the saxophone danced center stage, he made his way through smoke and other scents towards the bar. A teifling danced a lurid show in the center of the building, sweat glistening on blue skin from the lights. One of Basil’s eyes kept a lock on the man, tracing the electrical signals running under his skin to enact their sensual motions. It wasn’t exactly something he was looking to copy, but it was an interesting interplay to watch. Dancing wasn’t something often done alone, done for the show. It was interesting to compare the flow of signals of this to more traditional forms.
He kept most of his eyes forwards through. He had a job to do, and he preferred white to blue anyways. A brief thought entertained his mind of what Zeal might look like in such an outfit. He snapped it off immediately, jaw snapping shut in anger at himself. That was wrong, and a bad place to go. He couldn’t allow himself to think of her, think of anyone, that way, but especially her.
He focused himself. He had a job to do, and he was going to die alone. The only thing anyone would ever love of him would be an illusion. Any intimacy would have to be built on lies. Throw those thoughts out of his mind. They would only bring distraction, and disappointment.
He centered himself, and took a seat next to Karna, as the aasimar knocked back what was looking like probably the sixth shot tonight. How the hell was he even paying for all this? He rapped the bar twice with his knuckles. “First time here, got mezcal?” He asked.
”Mezcal coming up, though I can’t say it’s gonna be quite as good as home’s.” The barkeep replied.
”I am home, just grew up away from it.” Basil replied. For all his illusions, he always forgot to cover his chultan accent. Then again, recognizing his voice was part of the point for the man next to him.
”Basil?” Karna asked, turning slightly. “You’re straight, well, nearest to it, the fuck are you doing here?”
”Checking on you, and about to drink a theoretically decent mezcal.” Basil replied. “I’m worried about you.”
”Well fuck off, you don’t need to be.” Karna replied. “Another.” He requested. Another shot of strong absinthe filled his cup.
”Might want to slow down there hoss.” The barkeep warned. “The kind you’ve been having is a hundred thirty proof.”
”That so? Huh. Would have thought it was about a hundred twenty. Guess I’m getting better at drinking. Stands to reason, it’s all I’m good at or good for.” Karna replied, clearly about as drunk as someone on their seventh shot of one hundred thirty proof absinthe should be.
”Politely, bullshit.” Basil replied. “Though you are going to manage to be the first paladin to ever give yourself liver cirrhosis at the rate you’re going.”
”Paladin. What a bad joke.” Karna spat. “Paladins are heroes, we, we’re not fucking heroes. You got closer, and you’re, well, you. Me. I’m just a fool. So what if I ruin my liver. I’ve ruined everything else.”
Karna went for his glass, but Basil put his hand over it, stopping him. He looked his cousin in the eye, gentle, pitying, but firm. “Karna, we should go. Let’s find somewhere, a park or something, and talk.”
”We should, as in you should get your hand off my drink, and then pull that pole out of your ass. Dancer might need a spare.” Karna spat back. “I don’t need to talk, I need a damn drink.”
Basil didn’t move. “Cut the crap and calm down. You’re drunk already, and clearly not in a good place. If you’re going to be this way, at least we can do it at a safe distance from anyone else.”
”Oh fuck right off.” Karna replied. “What, am I embarrassing you? More so that I already have? I know I’m a fucking disgrace okay. I saw it with my own two eyes and can’t stop seeing it. The least you could let me do is drink myself to death in peace so I stop being a bother for all of you.”
The bartender was steadily shifting away, looking towards the bouncer who sighed and began to approach. He briefly made eye contact with Basil, who tried to give him an apologetic smile and flicked his eyes back towards Karna. The bouncer nodded. This wasn’t the first time he’d seen this.
Karna continued. “But no, you can’t do that. Can’t just let me be a failure in peace. You’re not content just being the better man than me, being better in every way but looks than me. You have to prove it, have to rub it in. I already you’re better, okay, don’t need to slam my nose in it with this stupid pity schtick.”
”When did I say anything about that? I’m the weakest member of our party!” Basil protested. “And what the hells does that have to do with any of that. You’re my cousin, my family, and beyond that my friend. You clearly need help, so of course I’m going to try and help you.”
”I don’t need help.” Karna snarled back, green eyes glinting red with a dangerous, gleaming light. “LEAST OF ALL FROM YOU!” He roared. The red light flared. Basil flinched, covering his eyes as the roar slammed into his mind and ears at the same time. He focused, piercing through the growing crimson fog.
The music kept playing, a hidden tape rolling, but the band pretending to sing had stopped. The club had gone silent, save for that. The patron’s idle gossip and chatter was muted. The bar was silent, patrons slumped over on their chairs, the bartender and bouncer were on the ground, foaming at the mouth. Karna and Basil were the only two people conscious in that building.
Karna stared in stunned silence, quiet horror at the scene. Some part of him processed exactly what he had just done, rationality quietly ticking away behind a fog of alcohol and badly managed emotional issues. It only intensified the later, a combination of terror and guilt forming into a blossoming rage. Then he saw Basil’s face, saw realization peeling back and something shifting in how he looked at him, saw a cold fury, a hatred, spreading across his face.
Basil looked himself, horrified at what had just occurred, and mind flashing to the street in front of Zeal’s home. This was the exact same scene. The same power as Alexander, but now being used instinctually. He had no idea what had actually happened to these people, if Karna had meant it or not. One thing he did know for certain. He had to stop this. If Karna was out of control there was no telling how many people could be hurt so he had to end this now.
Karna opened his mouth, but it was too late. Basil whirled, placing a palm on the bar to leverage himself from a sitting position into a whirling kick. His heel hit Karna squarely in the face, with every ounce of strength he could muster. A sucker punch, meant to be a knockout blow so he could take the aasimar down, end this spell, and get him out of here before anything else went wrong.
Karna snapped back out of his chair, it tumbled to the ground, and the back of his head hit the floor hard. His headache roared, but he rolled over coming back up to his feet, coming to a ready stance. He might have been depressed and drunk, but he was still a paladin, better trained than most and tougher than pretty much everybody. It was going to take more than that to knock him out.
Basil kicked him squarely in the nuts.
Karna doubled over in pain, and Basil kicked him in the face again. Basil had trained under paladins and monks alike. His skill with his own limbs was on par with his swordsmanship. His training under the paladins in the tradition of Jort made him an expert at sneak attacks, sucker punches, and practical, dirty fighting. In other words, he was effectively an expert at kicking people in the nuts. He went for a chop to the throat, trying to finish the fight right then and there.
Karna caught his hand, and broke it by squeezing his fingers. He looked up, bloody eyed and berserk. “Ah. Fuck.” Basil swore. Then Karna threw him. Basil went flying, arm broken, and hit the wall shelves, covered in a hundred forms of expensive booze. The impact shattered his collar bone, and he kept going until he hit the solid wall on the other side of the bar. He landed hard on his face, shirt torn to ribbons and bleeding freely.
His hand and shoulder reset themselves, and shirt tore entirely as he burst his extra limbs out of it, and slammed them down to pick himself up. He drew in a breath, and Karna threw a chair at him. Basil dodged upwards, onto the ceiling as the chair smashed a hole in the wall behind him. He rushed his cousin, gathering shards of broken glass with his spare limbs and a bottle into either hand. He flung the glass before him, forcing Karna to cover his face. Then he hit him on top of the head with both bottles, dropped them, and hit him on both sides of the throat with a chop.
Karna struggled to breathe, nearly blacking out from the impact, and but threw a wild, blind punch. Basil evaded most of hit, but even a glancing hit was enough to send him flying. He caught his momentum on a support pillar, swinging around it with his tendrils. His ankle hit the side of a table and shattered. He wheezed in pain, falling to a knee on top of the table to mend it.
Karna roared and charged like a bull, giving Basil scant time. He palmed a lighter from one of the unconscious men lying next to him, and jumped clear. Karna smashed the table into splinters beneath his fists, tearing skin and breaking bone, but healing them just as quickly as he damaged them. Basil flicked the lighter open, and threw it. The expensive alcohol covering Karna caught light, stunning and blinding him as Basil set him ablaze!
He hit the flaming angel with everything he had before the fire burned away. Fists, feet, elbows, knees, tendrils. A devastating combination of every move he knew to put a man on the ground flew out of him. He hadn’t really trained to get into a bar fight, but damn if it wasn’t coming in handy. He finished with a powerful drop kick in the aasimar’s solar plexus, sending him staggering back against the bar, breath torn from his lungs.
Basil breathed heavily, as his cousin slumped, then swore as Karna got his feet under him, and pulled his head up still more than ready to go. He swore louder as Karna gripped the sides of the bar, and tore the granite countertop off of it, swinging it at Basil like an improvised weapon.
Basil leapt, running along the side of the countertop as it smashed through everything it came across. Fortunately, it was swung high, missing the unconscious clubgoers, and shattered when it hit a load bearing column, though that cracked ominously. Basil landed on his cousin, spines biting into him and wrapping around bones to anchor the assassin. He’d seen a similar technique used by velociraptors when they hunted, using their massive claws to hook onto larger dinosaurs. Once attached, the smaller reptiles would begin to eat their prey alive. He wasn’t planning on biting Karna though, instead he raised up his boot and began to stomp his cousin’s face, over and over and over again, desperately trying to bring the berserk paladin down before he brought down the building!
Karna flared his wings and soared upwards, slamming both himself and Basil into the ceiling. Basil fell off, and Karna grabbed him by the face. He slammed them both down into the floor, smashing Basil’s head into the ground once, twice, three times, then threw him with enough force to scatter blood across the entire club and snap the assassin’s neck. He watched as Basil hit the pole the dancer had been, ahem, performing with, and his illusion vanished.
Horror overtook him as he saw Basil’s true form break in two, snaped apart by the force of the impact, and fall like so much meat onto the stage. He rushed forwards, hands shaking as he realized what he’d just done. He reached for Basil’s head, bloodied and broken. But his hands went through him. His emotional pain was then matched by physical pain, as he felt a steel stripper pole strike him directly between the legs.
Basil didn’t let up, as he dropped the illusion and his invisibility, and beat his cousin into the ground with the broken pole. He went for joints, broke ribs, hit below the belt with every opportunity and he did not stop. He didn’t know what it was going to take to put Karna down but he did know that if Karna got back up, he was actually going to die. It was nothing but the good fortune of his unusual anatomy that had kept him breathing with a broken neck, and his healing magic to allow him to ever get up again. He wasn’t going to get another chance, and so he beat down his cousin until the pole was bent beyond all recognition and the stage was slick with golden blood.
When he finally stopped, Karna was finally, mercifully, down. Basil knelt by his side, mending him enough to make sure he could be moved safely, though not enough to bring him back into consciousness. The patrons were beginning to stir to consciousness. With a grunt, he picked up his friend, hoisting him over his shoulder, and covered both of them with a spell of invisibility.
Slowly, shakily, he retrieved his and Karna’s weapons, erased both their names from the registry, and slipped away as people began to regain consciousness and the police arrived. Then, he began the slow, tired business of carrying Karna back to his house. He grumbled as he went. “You are far too skinny to be this heavy, and put up way too much of a fight for me to need the extra weight of lugging your ass out of here. You stupid overpowered twink.”
Karna woke up with a splitting headache, and a slightly less splitting everything-else-ache. Paladin healing factors worked wonders, but if you took a beating that was going to make you ache for a week, you were going to ache for a week. He remembered what happened, and started to wish he didn’t. “Oh fuck. I nearly killed Bas. And… yeah, the rest of the club. I’m not going to be allowed back there.”
He rolled off his couch and got a drink, of water this time. He looked at his liquor cabinet, walked over, opened it, and grabbed a bottle. He emptied it into the sink. Then he emptied the rest. He looked down at the drain, drew in a deep breath, and focused himself. “I need to apologize. I need to talk. I need help. And I need to get my life back on track.” He resolved. “I can’t let that happen again.”
He clenched his fists, and opened them again, hands still shaking. There was a knock at the door. His first thought was that it might be Basil checking on him. The next though was that it was the police. His third thought was that it was Basil, and the police. Well, either way. Apologies would be made, he might just also need to call a really, really good lawyer, and probably a bank to take out a loan to pay all that property damage.
He opened it, and saw another aasimar looking back at him.
”Hello Karna.” Alexander replied. “I heard you had something of a rough night, powers going out of control, a rather ugly bar fight, that sort of thing?”
”Yes. How long am I going to be in jail for?” Karna asked.
”Not at all, I’ve covered the damages and fortunately, nobody has any memory of last evening. Dominion Flare has that useful side effect.”
”Dominion Flare? What I did has a name?”
”Of course. It is your inheritance after all.” Alexander mused. “Though, you might be the first one to awaken it while drunk, though you’re not the first to cause some degree of damage with it. These things happen, it simply requires training.” He looked Karna squarely in the eye. “And beyond that, I strongly suspect you may be looking for some help getting yourself back on track.”

A special thanks to u/SpacePaladin15 for the fantastical universe.
Have a really long chapter!
Forgot to say it has been a while. Hope you're all doing well!
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Memory transcription subject: Jaxton, son of a humble sheep farmer
Date [standardized human time]: October 11th, 2136
If someone asked me years ago how many people would travel the globe just to see me. My answer would have been three; my father, my mother, and Dex Mason. My mother and father would have been simply obligated to do so, as I was their son, and I would have done the same thing. Dex was my best friend when I went to middle school in America, and he stayed my best friend when I went back to Wales, going back to Atlanta for many vacations.
What can I say? He had a nice collection of guns, and his general cheerful attitude made many people optimistic, so a day on the range with him led to the both of us being happier.
Then you add in Dex’s older and younger brothers, our mutual friend John Dillinger, and then you have a recipe for a fun time; guns, video games, hiking, and the occasional sheep herding if they ever come to my home: It’s a blast!
An alien porcupine though… I honestly never expected that I would ever in my honest-to-God lifetime, have such an impact on someone before. We barely knew each other for even a few minutes, yet she to my knowledge was merely some sad Gojid that was struggling with depression and loss. All I did was walk in and comfort her, or well, that’s how I saw it.
I still feel like an absolute idiot for forgetting about what I told her. It wasn’t a promise, but based on the implication of how I said it. It may as well have been a declaration to see the girl a few hours later, or however long it took her to get ready.
Now, speaking of Barlim, it’s been a few minutes since she arrived at my doorway at the most unexpected of times. I had her sitting in our living room on our couch. The Gojid, or Gojya, that I had to have explained to me, had her arms wrapped around one of our decorative pillows. She was giving squeezes every few seconds depending on how she felt, and if she was really giving it a firm squeeze, I’d reach over and stroke the top of her head. Barlim seemed to relax every time I did this.
“You holding up better?” Barlim appeared to be holding up better: No longer sobbing out tears from her eyes, or having mucus running from her nostrils.
She merely sniffed weakly for a second, nuzzling into my hand. If I had to admit, I had no idea if I was performing some massive social taboo by patting her like an animal, but if she wasn’t going to complain, neither was I. I mean, I already poked myself twice more! “I’m feeling much better. Sorry for intruding…”
“Don’t be,” I said while holding back a small laugh. “Are you feeling better enough to talk now?” Barlim’s ears flicked in response, and then she nodded in response upon realizing I didn’t know what those ear flicks meant. “Good.”
“Hey, I would just like to apologize for how I acted,” my mother started before I had the chance to speak. “It’s just that I’ve seen on the news and read of murderous xenophobic aliens…-”
“It’s fine,” Barlim let out the most adorable-sounding chittering noise I have ever heard. It sounded as if a porcupine was, well, laughing! “I would not have reacted much differently… Three days ago?” At least she could make fun of herself for how she acted. Her ears gave a few flicks, gesturing towards amusement or self-depreciation if I had to guess. They burned bright blue.
My father took a minute to stand up and walk over to Barlim. She only fidgeted a little bit, but not much when he reached out to her with one hand. “Jameson, again, it’s been pleasant to meet you so far.” The man’s hand hung in the air for several seconds. Barlim eyeing it up with what had to be a quizzical expression. “You’re supposed to grab it and firmly shake it,” my father eventually grunted.
“Oh!” That seemed to snap Barlim out of her stupor. She reached forward in kind with one paw, clasping her surprisingly big paw around my father’s hand, which he shook. The Gojid seemed to have a fair understanding of the action after a few seconds, at which point the handshake ended and my father returned to his seat.
A brief, quiet pause occupied the four of us before there was more knocking at the front door. “Oh, uh, that may be the rest of my friends. I sort of forgot about them when I realized we were so close.” The tips of Barlim’s ears turned a delicate shade of blue. She started to get up, but with a firm palm on the top of her head, I held her down, gently.
“You traveled a long way. Let me get the door,” I state and get up from the couch. My knees and back stretch, giving a satisfactory series of pops before I work my way to the front door. I decide against grabbing the mask, assuming that Barlim’s friends have gotten quite used to the infamous human binocular stare. When I open it, I see a rather eclectic group of individuals, some familiar and some not.
“Arwen, Trivi, Tova, and I take it Barlim’s friends.” Arwen and Trivi issue some friendly waves. Tova has her forearms clasped around Arwen’s neck from behind, jaw resting on the redhead’s shoulders. Her eyes are puffy and orange. It was pretty easy to assume what she had been going through. Meanwhile, the other three flick their ears and tails in a way that was most likely a greeting, but that was just me making an inference based on this being our first interaction, and them not giving waves in greeting.
I really need to learn Gojid and Venlil body language.
“Just delivering the rest of that one Gojid’s friends.” Arwen’s tone was the general cheerful tone it always was. She briefly stepped back from the door and swung an arm to the side, pointing to the three aliens behind her, doing so while under the weight of Tova.
“Barlim,” one of the Gojid said to Arwen. “My name is Pragh,” she then pointed over to another Gojid, “That’s Tack, and,” she indicated to the final Gojid, “That is Telg.” Again, the other two Gojid gave very similar flicks of the ears when they glanced at me with one of their eyes. “I take it you’re Jaxton?”
I couldn’t resist the urge to curl my lips upwards in a smile. The three Gojid didn’t flinch when I exposed my teeth, for which I was grateful. I really didn’t feel like bowing to more people than I needed to at the moment, having not gotten a particularly great amount of sleep last night was not a wise idea. “You’d be correct. It seems I’m the popular man of the hour. What can I do for you all?”
“Well, Tack and I were simply following Barlim, so we were going to stay with her until the UN or whoever really controls the whole Gojid refugee camp situation comes looking for us-”
I cut off Pragh with an amused tone. “So let me get this straight. You wanna come and mooch off my family for a bit because you have nowhere to stay at the moment?” I hold my tongue for just the slightest second, letting Gojid raise up her paws defensively. Even Arwen’s eyes widen briefly at what I just said.
“That’s not-” Pragh doesn’t speak for long before I dismissively wave my hand.
“I’m joking, yes, I’m sure my parents will allow you to stay for a bit, but you’ll have to clean up after yourselves, and all that stuff.” I lean up against the doorframe. “Ok though, jokes aside, what do you all want?”
Pragh rubbed her paws over her blue ears. “Yes, well, you did sort of hit one of them. I will admit, there was very little planning other than we’re going to Wales on our part. You don’t have to worry about Telg though.”
“I scored myself a date! Hah!~ So, I will be going back to Georgia in about an hour or two.” The Gojid paused, popped open one of the pockets on his hoodie, and took a peek inside at a slip of paper he pulled out. “Two hours, yeah, I have about an hour to spend here. So you and Tack are going to stay here?”
Pragh nodded to Telg’s words. “Yep, someone has to make sure Barlim continues to be a responsible Gojid. Also, I still have more research to do over the internet-”
“Ah yes, research, Pragh, research, am I right?~”
“No! Not that! I’m not going to be looking up that!”
The two male Gojid couldn’t help but hold back giggles and chitters, making me feel as if I was missing some sort of- Oh. The second it clicked for me, I just let out a long, slow sigh. “Please, let me just say that humanity is probably not whatever you found. Factory farms are a thing of the past.” Apparently, I was wrong, for the other two Gojid started laughing more uproariously, “Ok, I’m wrong it seems…” The gears proceeds to click a second time after realizing it was something a lot more bawdy than damning. I opened my mouth to say something but quickly realized that I wouldn’t have anything to follow up on if one of them decided to make any sort of accusation, so I quickly shut my plan to speak about that down. “How about you all just come inside now? Your friend Barlim already came by, and I’m pretty sure you all would like a break from your adventure.”
“Actually, Trvi and I were going to take Tova to my home. Might take her to the hospital if Quilix has calmed down. God, I wished they transported him to Ysbyty Gwynedd, but no. He had a freakout and had to be moved to London.”
“It’s all my fault…” The dark venlil whined.
Arwen’s hand managed to work its way between Tova’s ears, giving a few scritches. Scritches that Tova nuzzled into. “Come on you big, big venlil. I know you’re upset. Just, hang in there for a little while longer. I’m sure Quilix will come around. Let’s take you home, see ya Jaxton!” Arwen waved and carried the venlil toward the parked taxi in front of my house. Well, carried was a generous term for half-carry/half-assisted in guiding toward the car.
Trivi followed seconds later, giving his own bye and wave. “Tell your mother and father I said hi, see you tomorrow!” And with that, the blonde venlil scampered off, following after his human lover.
This left me with the three other hedgehog-looking aliens standing awkwardly in front of my door. They looked amongst themselves, thinking about saying something.
Wait, someone’s missing…
“Arf! Arf!”
The three Gojid who looked like they were about to say something all jumped about a foot in the air when Lacey came bounding through them, running straight past me into my home. “Oh, Lacey! Welcome ho- Oh, and ignored.” I shake my head upon hearing the following oof that comes from my father. Lacey must’ve claimed my father’s lap as her seat. “Well, if you want to come inside and meet the rest of my family. Come right on in.”
The next few minutes are filled with more pleasantries being exchanged. The Gojid all take their place on the couch, somehow managing to fit four of them on a couch meant for three. I end up choosing to stand by my father, who gently strokes Lacey across her back. The border collie panting jovially, looking back and forth between us and our alien guest, giving the occasional bark to beg for more attention.
The Gojid guests seem calm for the most part, sitting on that couch, but it is quite clear that the dog makes them uncomfortable since they flinch every time Lacey either makes a noise or stares at them with those heterochromatic eyes. “Not a fan of dogs, are you?” My father breaks the silence once it starts up again.
“I didn’t like…” Pragh started but stopped seconds later. “Listen, I believe you know why most Federation species don’t like humans, right?” Pragh’s words earned an affirmative grunt from my father. My mother and I nodded too. “Well, you’re all sapient and in control of your hunting instincts…” I raised my eyebrow at that but chose to say nothing. “That dog though-”
My father raised a hand, telling Praph to stop speaking for a moment. “I am going to have to stop you right there. Firstly, humans don’t, or we believe don’t have hunting instincts, and secondly, Lacey is a good girl that has harmed no person before, human or alien. I can assure you, as well as Quilix, Trivi, and Tova, that Lacey wouldn’t harm any of you, your pups, or anything else you will be worried about.”
Those few calmly spoken, but sternly voiced words are enough to calm the four Gojid down a fair amount. While I can’t see their muscles under their fur all that well, I can safely assume that their muscles grew lax at such information. Maybe we can do more to ease them around the dog while they’re here?
With an idea springing to mind, I take a few steps over to our old wooden hall tree. It is adorned with a few coats and hats, but what I am interested in is blue colored, six feet long rope of dog leash. The second it makes the lightest noise, Lacey is bolting toward me. “Eistedd!” The dog swiftly responds to the command: Hind quarters hitting the ground the second the word leaves my lips. I reach down and stroke the top of the dog’s head with one hand, getting a jovial arf out of her. “Merch dda, merch dda.~” I give the dog’s head a little bit more tender love with my palm and fingers before attaching the leash.
“Cefn.” I keep my voice low, coaxing Lacey into walking toward the couch.
The four Gojid, three of which have probably spent some time outside with the dog, all had a similar reaction when the dog came over: Paws came up off the ground, retracting safely onto the cushions above. It wasn’t really out of the border collie’s reach, but it was clearly instinctual-driven or propaganda-driven fear. “No need to be afraid, she won’t bite you - eistedd.” True to my words, Lacey gets close, sniffing along the edge of the sofa, but not jumping up onto the furniture.
“I see you’ve been practicing, Jaxton. You showing off for the guest?” My dad jokes.
“Hey, I don’t really get a good chance to speak Welsh. Dam- Darn it, really should’ve paid more attention in school. Might go get some lessons so I’m not part of the ten percent that can’t speak it. All I can do is shepherd a dog around, ask for the bathroom, a beer, where am I, and a few other things.” It’s hard not to let out a disappointed sigh. “I need to get off my backside and stop being so lazy.” I pause for one small moment. “And that probably translated for all of them to their native tongue. Doesn’t matter if I say it in English, Welsh, or honestly, Mandarin.”
My old man grins and laughs, leaning his back into the old rocking chair he claimed. My attention returns back to the dog, the fearful porcupine, and three scared hedgehogs.
The first one to reach out if I recall his name is Tack. The Gojid’s claws lightly brush the top of Lacey’s head in a tepid fashion. The dog stares back up at the curious paw; not growling, barking, yipping, biting, or making any sort of fuss that could freak out the apprehensive Gojid. Slowly, Lacey’s tail beings to wag as the curious touching continues for a few seconds. “Is that normal?”
“Mhm… Yes, dogs’ tails wag when they are happy. If she was really happy, she’d jump on you and start licking your face.”
The four Gojid recoiled with what looked like disgust: The thought of a predator’s maw all over their face, tasting them as if they were her next meal was probably what was coursing through their minds. “I think… That’s something I wouldn’t like from a non-sapient creature.” Telg adds in.
He says he doesn’t want it from a non-sapient, but what about a sapient? Oh, what wonderful thoughts this one has. I internally joked.
Both my father and mother let out an audible cough at Telg’s… Well, it could’ve been an indecent statement, or maybe licking was a sign of greeting? There was no way for me to know with my lack of knowledge of Gojid customs.
God damn; Gojid customs, language, body language, and Welsh! That was leaving out Venlil ear and tail signals as well! Too much to learn.
With a gentle nudge, I guide Lacey down the bottom of the couch, letting each Gojid get about a minute or two of bonding time with the goodest of girls. It’s only been a few minutes, but the four could be easily seen relaxing: Tack and Telg are both confident enough to let their paws touch the floor again.
From fearful of anything that ate meat their entire life to sort of fearfully allowing a dog to sniff them, or them to touch a dog, must be leaps and bounds beyond possibility months ago.
“So, you all more comfortable around dogs?”
I get a non-varied amount of reactions: All of them positive to a minor degree, but none are negative or super positive. “Good.”
With such a positive, or well, lacking in a negative reaction from our alien guests. I reach down and unhook the canine’s restraint. No one flinches and Lacey continues to sit for about another few seconds before lazily pacing around the front of the couch, sniffing at paws for some more time before retreating back beside my father’s feet.
“So… What’s the history between humans and dogs?” Pragh was the one that shot this question. One is no doubt born from the fact that we probably allowed a non-sapient predator into our home.
Well, if I was using their logic, of course: I wouldn’t be surprised if it came from ‘Wouldn’t predators eliminate the competition?’ if I had to guess.
“The history involving our canine companions is long and complex.” I reach behind my head to adust my blonde ponytail, tightening up the black band to keep my hair from falling in front of my face. “Most domesticated dogs you’ll see; German shepherds, border collies, Australian shepherds, golden retrievers, and on and on the list goes. I believe there are hundreds of breeds, but that is another tangent we can go on another date. What you’re more interested in is the history, as you have asked.”
I took a few steps around toward the front of the couch, using this new position to project my voice onto my alien audience. My parents had already heard this story a few times when they spoke with one of our dog breeders.
“It all started roughly speaking, thirty-thousand years ago.” I paused, totally for dramatic effect, but to also allow the Gojid to digest this fair-sized crumb of information. “Our competitor, an antagonizing species of persistent pack predators with a strong social bond, the wolf, would often invade human territories, and vice versa. You see, humans and wolves aren’t too dissimilar. We’re both highly social species, pursuit pack predators as I have heard, emotionally intelligent, highly adaptive, strong parental connections, and good communication skills. I can go into specific details another time, but those are some of the big traits we share. I’d say that the large preference for having a social structure coupled with good communication skills on both sides were the two assets that helped the most. Emotional intelligence and actual intelligence would probably be third and fourth. Dogs and wolves can be pretty smart.”
I take a moment again, allowing my audience to follow along with what I am saying, waiting to see if any of them have a question. “So due to these similarities, humans and these wolves cross species’ barriers?” The bipedal porcupine opined.
I nod to Barlim’s question. “Very close, but not quite.” I take a moment to swing a pointing finger down to Lacey. “I mean, as much as I love Lacey. I don’t see a dog diplomat coming through any time soon to argue for their sapience let alone an alliance.” I then straighten my posture back up, holding back a small laugh by letting a grin stretch across my lips. “It was more along the lines of wolves were desperate for food, and they’d feed off the scraps we humans left behind. This would go on for some time with the braver or more docile canines being allowed to slowly integrate with human society.”
“But they’re eating your scraps and food, but what do they do for you? Other than herd sheep? It just seems like your competition is swooping your food from under your nose, but… You’re not complaining at all.” Pragh was the one to ask that question.
Called it!
“These proto-dogs had many purposes! Just look at Lacey and you can probably see what she has that is superior to a human. Tell me what traits you can see.”
I give the four Gojid some time to look over the dog. They eventually look like they all have something to say, so I slide down the line of them; Pragh, Telg, Tack, and then finally Barlim.
“A better sense of smell to hunt for prey you can’t see?” Pragh opined.“Better hearing for locating threats?” Telg questioned.
“Sharp teeth and claws for fighting off other humans.” Tack would state rather confidently.
“To form an emotional connection with and to not feel lonely?” Barlim tilted her head to the side, giving the dog another look.
I let them stew over their answers for about thirty seconds to discuss amongst themselves. Needless to say, I was kind of shocked, but also not by Barlim’s answer. Maybe my time spent with her gave me some subconscious understanding of her mentality? The other Gojid all looked at her, so I assume her different answer probably made something click amongst all of them.
“Well, to answer your questions; yes, yes, yes, and yes. You’re all correct. Some may say that the first three are probably the priority.” This statement earns a chitter from the four Gojid occupying the couch. “But I like to have hope for that last one: When you’re by yourself. The world is a scary place after all. It’s best not to be alone. I believe you all have herds? Well, we humans have families, tribes, or nations, depending on how deep you wish to look into it, and yes, dogs can be a part of a human family. Family cares not from where the blood comes.”
“Quick question and not to side-track the conversation too far, but I was told by my date that humans dislike being called predators. Is that true here too, or was that a dialect or cultural thing?” Telg was the one throwing this question.
“It is that way here too. When humans refer to other humans as predators, it is because that other human is a gross pervert that does horrific, deviant, and sexual things toward other people, animals, or in this case now that aliens exist, aliens, so I would refrain from calling humans predators unless you personally know the individual and they are ok with it. That being said, humans define predator as more of a relationship adjective when between animals. A deer is a predator to plants as a wolf is a predator to a deer. It is the relationship of consumption rather than dietary traits.” I finish off my statement with a nod.
“Well… If you don’t mind me referring you to as a predator for one statement…” Telg droned on.
I take a brief glance over toward my parents. My dad gives me a nonchalant shrug. My gaze returns back to Telg. “Go ahead and shoot your question or statement at me.”
The four Gojid look stunned for a moment, off-put by something I said-
Oh, don’t tell me ‘shoot’ was predatory… Probably was.
“Just… throw out your question.”
“It was more of a statement, actually, but anyways. Family cares not from where the blood comes, has to be one of the most herd-like statement I have heard from a predator.”
Did he really just say that?
He really did, but I can’t fault him. From his point of view, he’s been spun so many times that up is down, and left is right.
I shake my head, lowering it. A small chuckle slipping from between my lips. I could even hear my mother and father laughing behind me a few seconds later.
“Was what I said really that funny?”
“No, just the logic behind it is kinda funny. Like I said, humans don’t normally refer to ourselves as predators, and this whole alien thing is kind of new to me.” My words carried upon by a light tone earns some laughs as well from our Gojid guests.
I clap my hands together, signaling the end of our little tangent. “Now, if I may resume my, if I do say so myself, informative explanation… The proto-dogs seamlessly integrated into our small tribes at the time; they could track threats and prey miles before we were even aware of them, they could hear the smallest sounds and alert us of their dangers. Moreover, their sharp teeth and claws served as deterrents against other threats such as large carnivores, food-stealing rodents, or hostile human forces. Additionally, their companionship provided solace to lonely humans. As you can see,” I pointed back to Lacey, who was having her back rubbed by my father’s sock-covered foot, “Lacey seems to be enjoying herself quite nicely, but so is my father. In short, interacting with dogs triggers the release of feel-good chemicals in both human and canine brains. Activities such as petting, snuggling, and playing contribute to this positive bond."
Again, I pause, giving everyone some time to follow along. “Thus, they’d impact our evolution and vice versa: Humans that had dogs in their tribes were more successful than tribes without dogs. Humans that bonded more effectively with their canine companions would get even farther. As millennia went by, humans would get better at reading dog expressions, and dogs would get better at reading human expressions.”
I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone. I typed into it for a bit until an old photo of a wolf showed up. I turned my phone’s screen toward the four Gojid. “Here you can see a wolf. They aren’t extinct due to some wildlife restoration efforts, but we had a few close calls. Wolves are extinct in the UK and Ireland as of now, but not in North America, Europe, or Asia. What you see before you are what thirty-thousand years of evolution has done to us.”
Based on the look that the Gojid were giving me. I would guess it was along the lines of wow.
“Now, before you start asking more questions. I should let you know that humanity has not only domesticated one carnivorous species, but a few others as well; some birds of prey like falcons, felines, and mustelidae such as ferrets. Meanwhile, on the herbivorous side, we have horses, elephants, rabbits, and so on. Yeah, it’s quite a long list. Means more animals for us to pet and touch. Humans can bond with just about anything, even non-living things, but that’s a story for another time.”.
I perform a small stretch, feeling my back pop. A small break in the monotony of speaking for so long.
“Now, to go back to the human-dog bond. I should remind myself to tell you the story of Gelert. It’s quite a sad story, but bear with me for just a moment.”
I clear my throat, getting ready to speak out an old Welsh folklore myth.
“A long time ago, a prince of North Wales by the name of Llywelyn went out hunting without his trusty dog, Gelert. He’d return home later that day to see Gelert, covered in blood, jovially returning to him. This freaked out the prince, who rushed to his son’s crib, finding it knocked over and messy with blood. He feared that the dog had killed his son and immediately plunged his sword into the dog’s side.” The four Gojid wince at the description, having just been told of the forged bond I have described moments ago. “The dog’s pained cry heralds the cry of the prince’s infant son, who lay on the other side, protected from a slain wolf. Gelert had valiant fought to protect Llywelyn’s son from the wolf, and in so was rewarded with a blade through its heart! A tragic tale to discourage impulsive thoughts and rash rushes to judgment. It was said that the prince buried Gelert and never smiled again.”
I never considered myself a great storyteller, but somehow I managed to get the four Gojid all teary-eyed. Barlim was rubbing at her eyes once again, and so was Tack too.
“H-how could he have done that to the dog..?” Barlim’s meek voice trailed off.
“Well, as said, Llywelyn thought Gelert killed his son. It was a rash decision. This moral folklore is supposed to warn against such tragedies, speaking of which, isn’t there an extermination fleet heading this way?”
While I may have been speaking for so long, having taken all our attention away from the potential destruction of Earth, or the general mopey attitude that came from meeting Tova. It probably was wise to bring up the fact that armageddon was on its way to Earth.
The four Gojid just sort of looked down sheepishly at the ground or flicked their ears in a way that probably meant the same thing. I didn’t really mean to put them on the spot like that, considering it was some of their former allies committing this attack, but I guess that’s just how the cookie crumbles sometimes.
“I think I can speak for all of us here that we don’t-” Telg was interrupted by my father.
“We don’t blame you, or at least I can attest to myself, my son, and my wife over here. One day, assuming we survive this looming catastrophe. There will be regret, followed by hope, and then love and compassion once again. Though, I don’t think that’s what my son was hinting toward, more over the fact that your allies are about to make a rash decision they don’t understand. Probably one you would have made years ago, but that doesn’t really matter here, or there. We live in the now, and I think it’s time we started stocking up on some goods for our cellar. Well, we got goods actually, and a couple of guns too, but nothing fancy like the Americans and all their machine guns. A .30-30 lever action, an old .44 revolver, a twelve gauge shotgun, and a .22 hunting rifle. Nothing fancy,” he shrugs and grunts. “I’m more worried about my sheep. The best we can do is pray they don’t shoot the barn.”
There’s a brief silence as the seven of us come down from the long monologue that was dispersed between moments of questionnaires. I rub one of my eyes, stretching my jaw open wide in a hand-covered yawn.
How long have by been talking?
“Sprak! I gotta go or I am going to miss my flight!” Telg clamors, quickly hopping off the couch. He quickly taps at his phone with his claws, making his way toward the front door. “See you guys later, and thanks for letting us stay! Yes, I know how to call a taxi!” He opens the door and bolts outside. At least had the manners to close it back without slamming it.
This left us with three Gojid!
“Well,” my mother stood up from her chair. “I’m certain you’re all hungry after such a long adventure, and Telg is probably too, but he’s gone already. Let me see if I can make you all something to eat…” She hesitates for a second before continuing. “Nothing with meat or animal products in it. Just vegetables and fruit,” she iterates before walking off to the kitchen, leaving my father and I with the three Gojid.
You know, that leaves one important question that’s been on my mind. One that I had asked Barlim, but have been quickly distracted by her onslaught of sudden tears due to my forgetful nature. “A quick question if I may have your attention.”
The three Gojid turned their attention toward me, looking at me as they awaited my question
“How the hell did you all get here?”
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Tens of thousands of South Carolina mobile homeowners manufactured before 1976 & renting the land it sits upon, can be legally evicted without cause if the Appellate court upholds the verdict of my eviction based solely upon the wording of the 30-day notice of the end of the term of their expired lease agreement.
Many, if not most renters of land in a mobile home park, have leases for one year, which likely have never been renewed from year to year, as the law states.
If my case is not dismissed, it will become 'case law', which can then be used by any greedy, unscrupulous landowner who wants to own your home to evict you and take possession of your home, whether there exists no cause or reason for the eviction.
https://chng.it/kLW47xF2

Here are all of the new US CHAdeMO (Leaf fast-charging) stations that rolled out in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
There were 124 "new" CHAdeMOs added in May. To put it in perspective, there were 112 CHAdeMO chargers added in April. I think the pace of CHAdeMO rollout has stabilized, while the pace of CCS rollout is still increasing. This makes sense given that only Nissan still makes a CHAdeMO car.
Some of these chargepoints will be "refreshes," e.g. the provider replaced them with faster chargers etc. Some may be incorrect. This report is only as good as the Alternative Fuels Data Center data.
We all know that CHAdeMO is a legacy format and will eventually go away, but clearly Nissan and their partners are continuing to support it for the time being. This shouldn't be surprising. After all, you can still buy a new Leaf.
If you'd like to know about new chargers along your routes right away, or reading these monthly reports is just frustrating in your state, I've set up a free service that provides email notifications only when new stations actually open. You can sign up at evpov.com. I built it to help EV owners like myself (especially my fellow Leaf owners). You can pick other plug types as well.
To streamline this post, multi-chargepoint locations are listed with the number of chargepoints first, so that's why the post is shorter than in previous months.

➡ CA (1) Fairfield Inn & Suites 8700 Spectrum Pkwy Bakersfield, CA 93308 (1) MOSSY CDJR DC 1 1875 Auto Park Ave Chula Vista, CA 91911 (3) DC CORRIDOR CHEVRON C DC 2 25032 W Dorris Ave Coalinga, CA 93210 (1) South Coast Collection (SoCo) 3303 Hyland Ave Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (1) SCPPA SCPPA CPE200T 1160 Nicole Ct Glendora, CA 91740 (1) Mojave Air & Spaceport (Building 1) 16922 Airport Blvd Mojave, CA 93501 (1) Albertsons 1345 (Morro Bay, CA) 730 Quintana Road Morro City, CA 93442 (1) CircleK - Palm Desert, CA 78005 Country Club Dr Palm Desert, CA 92211 (1) Hilton Garden Inn 20 Advantage Ct Sacramento, CA 95834 (1) BoA Hillcrest CA0-120 (San Diego, CA) 737 UNIVERSITY AVE San Diego, CA 92103 (1) WinCo Foods - Vacaville #60 855 Davis St Vacaville, CA 95687 ➡ CO (1) CITY OF ASPEN RIO GRANDE L3 427 Rio Grande Pl Aspen, CO 81611 (4) CSG EV BOULDER PL4 1500 Pearl St Boulder, CO 80302 (1) CircleK - Colorado City, CA 8950 S Interstate 25 Colorado City, CO 81004 (2) GPM INVESTMENTS 4590 DC1 8105 N Academy Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (2) KUM & GO CRAIG PL2 700 East Victory Way Craig, CO 81625 (1) DINO WELCOME DINOSAUR PL1 101 Stegosaurus Freeway Dinosaur, CO 81610 (2) PIKES PK CHARGE BA.CA.MI LLC #2 11027 US-24 Divide, CO 80814 (3) ANNEX SITE GEORGETOWN PL2 1120 Argentine Street Georgetown, CO 80444 (4) KUM & GO RIFLE PL4 705 Taugenbaugh Boulevard Rifle, CO 81650 (2) KUM & GO SB SPRINGS PL2 80 Anglers Drive Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 ➡ FL (1) JNKNS JACKSONVI DC FAST 2 11107 Atlantic Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32225 (1) Starbucks 9200 FL-228 Macclenny, FL 32063 (1) Ocean Cadillac 17800 Ipco Road Miami, FL 33162 (1) Sun Plaza 6339 W Colonial Dr Orlando, FL 32818 (1) BHY CHARGER 1 9915 E Adamo Dr Tampa, FL 33619 (1) Chase Bank - 5601 Red Bug Lake Rd 5601 Red Bug Lake Rd Winter Springs, FL 32708 ➡ GA (1) GEORGIA POWER EPICENTER DC1 135 riverside parkway SW Austell, GA 30168 (1) JACKSON EMC GAINESVILLE 1000 Dawsonville Highway Gainesville, GA 30501 ➡ IN (1) AVON HYUNDAI SALES 8775 E 36 Avon, IN 46123 (1) HOC CHARGERS CHARGER #1 4200 E 96th St Indianapolis, IN 46240 ➡ KS (1) HATCHETT FRONT_WEST 11200 E Central Ave Wichita, KS 67206 (1) HATCHETT BACK EAST 11330 E Central Ave Wichita, KS 67206 ➡ KY (1) JEFF WYLER FH EXPRESS 250 949 Burlington Pike Florence, KY 41042 ➡ MA (6) MASSPORT TNC 4 226 Porter St Boston, MA 02128 (2) MASSPORT TAXI 4 56 Harborside Dr Boston, MA 02128 ➡ MD (2) POTOMAC EDISON ROCKY GAP DC1 16701 Lakeview Rd NE Flintstone, MD 21530 ➡ ME (1) DARLINGS HYUNDA SALES CHARGER 2 439 Western Ave Augusta, ME 04330 (2) IRVINGOIL ME-FFLD-L3-0001 206 Center Rd Fairfield, ME 04937 (1) MOBIL ONTHEWAY STATION 1 1930 Lisbon Street Lewiston, ME 04240 (1) MOBIL ONTHEWAY STATION 2 1938 Lisbon St Lewiston, ME 04240 ➡ MI (1) Belle Isle DC Fast Charge 176 Lakeside Dr Detroit, MI 48207 (1) Evergetic Charging Spa 330 South Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard Lansing, MI 48915 ➡ MN (1) WINNER GAS BROOKDALE DR 1500 Brookdale Dr Minneapolis, MN 55444 ➡ NC (1) CAPE HATTERAS AVON PIER DCFC2 41001 North Carolina Hwy 12 Avon, NC 27915 (1) AEMC- AEMC HQ FAST 125 Cooperative Way Hertford, NC 27944 (1) Chestnut Arbor 2925 Weddington Matthews Rd Matthews, NC 28105 ➡ NE (1) ERNST CHARGER 1 EAC CHARGER 615 23rd St E Columbus, NE 68601 ➡ NJ (1) ShopRite Carteret - Wakefern #511 801 Roosevelt Ave Carteret, NJ 07008 (2) FREEHOLDHYUNDAI VERIZON 1 4075 9 Freehold Township, NJ 07728 (2) CLASS 3 CHARGER HYUNDAI-2 250 Rte 4 Paramus, NJ 07652 (1) CIRCLEAUTOGROUP CH- CPE250 1 641 Shrewsbury Ave Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 (1) ROUTE 1 HYUNDAI CPE-250-02 3905 US 1 South Brunswick Township, NJ 08852 (1) ROUTE 1 HYUNDAI RT1-01 3913 US-1 South Brunswick Township, NJ 08852 ➡ NY (1) AAA WESTCENTRAL DC FAST CHARGER 100 International Dr Amherst, NY 14221 (2) KEELER STATION 6 1111 Troy Schenectady Rd Latham, NY 12110 (1) LEXUSMIDDLETOWN STATION 1 3496 US-6 Middletown, NY 10940 (3) BOB JOHNSON BOB JOHNSON KIA 3817 W Henrietta Rd Rochester, NY 14623 ➡ OH (2) CRESTMONT DRIVECRESTMONT2 2961 Center Rd Brunswick, OH 44212 (1) Hampton Inn - Canton 5256 Broadmoor Cir NW Canton, OH 44709 (1) JEFF WYLER EXPRESS 250 Loop @ Far Hills Centerville, OH 45459 (1) DONWOODAUTO DW CHEVY 2 12916 OH-664 Logan, OH 43138 (1) JEFF WYLER CORP 4- DC FAST 401 Milford Pkwy Milford, OH 45150 (1) Friendship Kitchen 70 3800 E. State Rd. Port Clinton, OH 43452 (1) Friendship Kitchen 83 4024 Hayes Ave. Sandusky, OH 44870 ➡ OK (1) EDMOND HYUNDAI EDMOND 4 14137 N Broadway Ext Edmond, OK 73013 ➡ OR (1) PGE IBEW 48 15937 NE Airport Way Portland, OR 97230 ➡ PA (1) DOYLESTOWN 024B1000008033 4465 W Swamp Rd Doylestown, PA 18902 (2) LIBERTY CHARWASH PL 2 2595 Maryland Road Willow Grove, PA 19090 ➡ PR (2) BMW AUTOGERMANA CPE 250 PKNG 2 106 Calle Acuarela Guaynabo, PR 00969 (2) BMW AUTOGERMANA FTZ120KW-2 1086 Ave. Muñoz Rivera San Juan, PR 00919 ➡ SC (1) Travelers Rest Municipal Complex 125 Trailblazer Dr Travelers Rest, SC 29690 ➡ TN (4) I24 EXIT11 STATION 1 (LL) 701 Sango Road Clarksville, TN 37043 (2) DISTRICT 2 STATION 1 (L) 28 S Park Ave Hohenwald, TN 38462 (2) LAWRENCEBURG STATION 2 (R) 2347 Hwy 43 N Leoma, TN 38468 (1) MB OF MEMPHIS STATION 1 5401 Poplar Ave Memphis, TN 38119 ➡ TX (1) Plaza de Oro 4450 W Jefferson Blvd Dallas, TX 75211 ➡ UT (2) VOLVO CAR USA SANDY DC 2 56 W 9000 S Sandy, UT 84070 ➡ VA (2) KOONS HYUNDAI STATION 1 1880 Opitz Blvd Woodbridge, VA 22191 ➡ WA (2) HANSON MOTORS HM3 QUICKCHARGE 2300 Carriage Loop SW Olympia, WA 98502 (1) Walmart 2539 - Spokane Valley, WA 15727 E Broadway Ave Spokane Valley, WA 99037 (1) 7054 -Vancouver, WA 98664 (10314 SE Mill Plain Road) 13014 SE Mill Plain Rd Vancouver, WA 98684 ➡ WI (1) BERG HYUNDAI VLI-L3-PDI-4 2900 N Victory Ln Appleton, WI 54913 (1) Wheelers Chevrolet of Coloma 1978 Charles Way Coloma, WI 54930 (1) Wheelers Chevrolet GMC of Marshfield 2701 S. Maple Ave Marshfield, WI 54449 

PART EIGHT HUNDRED AND FORTY-ONE
[Previous Chapter] [The Beginning] [Patreon+2]
Friday
It was the middle of a bright, sunny day, and Phillipa was jogging through Central Park, listening to whatever music her playlist threw at her. She was enjoying the rush of moving without puffing … without feeling lethargy at all. She paused and put her fingers on her throat like she’d seen all those fit people in the park do, but couldn’t find anything that even remotely felt like a pulse.
Well, in her mind, that had to mean she was so comfortable; her pulse wasn’t killing itself, which was awesome. Especially considering she’d been running …
She frowned and turned back the way she came. How many blocks had she run? And when did she actually start running? She wasn’t a runner, like at all, and she enjoyed chocolate and caffeine and worked too much.
Right on cue, an annoying water ripple which she used for her general ringtone (because it was quiet and wouldn’t disturb a meeting much if she were sitting in with Tucker) sounded, and she squeezed her right earpiece stem to accept the call.
Only it kept chiming in her ear.
Her frown deepened as she dug through her clothes, looking for her phone to connect the call manually, promising herself to replace the headset on her way to work. Except why wasn’t she at work now? It was daylight. Bright daylight. Why was she running during the day? Was it the weekend?
She found her phone in the front pocket of her business jacket, where it was always located during business hours, but when she lifted it to her face, the main screen wouldn’t wake up. It remained blank, no matter what she did to bring it online.
Plus, the music was still playing. The music should have cut out the second a call came through. She shook the phone and pressed the buttons along the side, hoping to reset it over and over again, harder with each pass, yet nothing worked.
What in the world…
Phillipa came awake with all the finesse of someone having a heart attack, her fingers biting into the hardened plastic edges of … her TV remote. The TV was still madly scrolling through whatever buttons Phillipa had been mashing in an effort to get it to work as a phone, but more importantly, her real phone was still dinging away on her bedside table.
“Phillipa Webber,” she said as soon as she connected the call, swinging her feet over the edge of the bed. It didn’t matter that she’d been sent home with the supposed promise/threat of a weekend off. Calls at five-thirty in the morning meant something was horribly wrong, and she used the adrenaline to clear away the cobwebs.
“Phillipa, it’s Michelle Winthrop. Tucker’s family is in trouble.”
It took Phillipa’s brain half a second to tie the woman’s name into one of the three senior partners of Pike and Hubble LLC, and from there, it was all systems go. “What do you need from me?”
Michelle outlined the security they wanted for both Tucker and the laptop he had in Pensacola. When Phillipa mentioned Helen, Michelle’s snort of disgust made her smile. “She’s commandeered Donald. That should be enough for her.”
Phillipa went into the living room/kitchen combo and slid into the bench chair that doubled as a workspace for her. She flipped open her personal computer and powered it up, going through layers upon layers of security protocols before accessing the business mainframe. With each one, she hoped and prayed Colton hadn’t followed through on his threat of having her clearances temporarily revoked.
Yesterday had been a wash as Martin’s driver dropped her outside her condo building and waited alongside the car while she walked to the main doors. It had annoyed her immensely when she turned to see why he was still standing there, filming her with his phone.
“Forgive me, Miss Webber,” he said, not lowering his hand in the least. “Mister Laurier has insisted on proof of you walking into your apartment building before I am permitted to leave.”
Phillipa had ground her teeth and eventually let out a long-suffering breath of annoyance, reminding herself she was too old to flip off Martin Laurier, as much as her sleep-deprived, caffeine-infused brain insisted on it being the greatest idea in the whole world.
She’d been polite to any neighbours she’d come across on her way to the apartment, but it wasn’t until she’d run herself a bath and sank beneath the warm bubbles with Samantha (her Burmese cat) perched by her head that she felt the first vestiges of anxiousness slip away. Samantha's meows had been so deep and so constant throughout the whole bath had been a non-stop tirade, no doubt a lecture for leaving her alone for a few days.
Not that she’d been completely left alone. Before she’d flown to Florida, Phillipa had arranged for an elderly neighbour who was the resident cat lady to pop in and feed Samantha and change her litter, but that wasn’t what her girl had a problem with. When Mrs Beaton came, she reeked of her own horde of cats, and Samantha hated all their smells in her space.
Thankfully, she wasn’t a boy cat and didn’t take to scent-marking her territory every time there was a threat, but for the next few days, Phillipa had known she’d need to air out the condo as much as possible.
Which was why she’d been dreaming about jogging when she’d never jogged a step in her life. For her, there were two speeds: a brisk walk or a flat-out run, with the latter only acceptable when someone or something murderous was chasing her. But with the bedroom window open and the smells of the city wafting through on the early morning breeze in waves, her dreams had interpreted that as movement.
A minute or so later, she was in.
Security teams were going to take time to assemble. Very few places would enable her to scramble a team with the necessary clearance levels, but putting one together from here and sending it down would take thousands of dollars and four hours of travel time.
She stroked her jaw, ending with a silent drum of her fingers against her cheek. “Boots on the ground … boots on the ground … someone with the right clearance…” Her brain was whirring as the options wound down on such short notice.
One was a super longshot, but given he had already passed the security checks and his history with the company was exemplary, Phillipa decided to risk it. She went into the HR listing of all staff members and clicked on the list of inactive personnel. Skimming down the list, she clicked on his name and quickly typed the personal number into her phone.
“C’mon …c’mon…”
* * *
Thomas was awake with his hand plunged under his pillow for the M3 trench knife kept there. It was a habit he picked up after his time in the sandbox, although back then, it had been a gun rather than a knife. (Nine years of rooming with Donald had him switching it out when he’d pointed the weapon at Donald before he was properly awake, and the other man had warned him that if he did that again, he’d be force-fed every bullet in the magazine.)
His phone sounded nearby, but the ringtone meant it wasn’t anyone he knew. If it’s a fuckin’ telemarketer, I’ll hunt them down and…he thought to himself, even as he crossed the room dressed in only his briefs and picked up the phone. It wasn’t like he had company. “Yeah?” The word was barely a question, more of a threat. It was intentional.
“Mister Cole?”
The voice sounded familiar, but he couldn’t place it. Walking over to the window, he pulled back the curtain to let in the early morning rays through the palm leaves of the trees that separated him from the beach. “I’m here.”
“Mister Cole, might I ask where you are at the moment?”
“Darlin’, until I know who you are, I’m not going to tell you anything except you’re messing with the wrong man.”
“It’s Phillipa Webber, Mister Cole. Tucker Portsmith’s EA.”
Thomas sucked in a sharp breath. He’d assumed walking away from the job and leaving the state soon after would be a big enough hint that there wasn’t enough money on the planet to have him going toe to toe with whatever it was protecting the Nascerdios family. Even now, his eyes dropped fearfully to the three-dimensional, circular brand on his chest of a snake that slithered around his flesh, hissing menacingly at him.
“Where are you, Mister Cole?”
“Nowhere near New York,” he answered evasively.
“Mister Cole, how close are you to Florida at this time?”
“I’m in the Bahamas. Why?” He had amassed a small fortune working around the clock for the Portsmiths with no vacation time for almost a decade, which was why he’d decided to grant himself an extravagant tropical holiday. Though every time he looked down in his swimmers and saw the living snake brand, he wondered if he shouldn’t have gone the other way and headed for the slopes.
“Mister Cole, would you be interested in temporarily coming back to work for us in Florida?”
Thomas couldn’t shake his head fast enough. “No.”
“Mister Cole, I wouldn’t be calling if it weren’t critical. You have the clearance to protect Portsmith Electronics’ interests, and if you’re in the Bahamas, you are our closest asset to our CEO.”
I’m not your asset anymore! “Where’s Donald?”
“He’ll be returning with Mrs Portsmith shortly. However, both the laptop and Mister Portsmith are in Florida, and the one bodyguard they took with them is spending more time with Mrs Portsmith than Mister Portsmith. I need a second set of eyes, and despite your sudden departure from the company, your loyalty to us prior to that was impeccable.”
“Where is Geraldine and … S-Sam?” God, he hated the slight tremor in his voice as he said that name, but damned if he could stop it. Going after Sam had put him into a torturous living nightmare that not even two tours in the sandbox had gone close to doing. At least once a night, he had woken up either trembling or screaming due to that inhuman voice and the way they’d imprinted the snake brand on his consciousness.
He knew it wasn’t really there because he’d asked several one-night stands what they saw on his chest, and they only described his regular tattoos and scars. He looked at his chest’s reflection in the door and shuddered when the snake turned to look at him in the reflection and opened its mouth wide to hiss at him.
“They’re in New York completing exams. Why?”
Thomas shuddered a second time if only to get it out of his system. “It doesn’t matter. I’m sorry, I don’t think I can help you…”
“Thomas, we’ll triple your hourly rate and cover the cost of rearranging your vacation once this is sorted. It should only be a day or two…”
Thomas reached over his head and hooked his fingers around the architrave of the sliding glass door, hanging his near-full weight off his fingertips to stretch out his arm and core.
“Thomas, please. You’re the only one with the clearance who can be on-site in a couple of hours. Even if I get things moving here, it’ll be at least five hours before I can have boots on the ground in Pensacola.”
Thomas released the door and dragged his fingers through his hair. He and Donald had already been paid triple the going rate for bodyguards, and to triple that again… “Miss Webber…”
“Thomas, name your price. At the moment, you have us over a barrel.”
“Full intel.”
“Excuse me?”
“That’s my price, ma’am. If you want me in on this, I need to know what you know about the people you’re going up against. No more going in blind.”
“Thomas, I’m not sure…”
“You asked for my price! That’s it! I’m not about to walk into a situation blind again if can help it.” On an exhale, he added, “Never again.”
“Alright. Alright … I’m not entirely sure what you’re talking about, Mister Cole, but if it’s in my power to give you everything you think you need to complete this task, I’ll see to it personally.” Her voice dropped away, but not before Thomas heard her mutter, “It’s not like I’m doing anything else this weekend.”
“I can walk out of my bungalow in three minutes or seven if you need me showered and shaved.”
“Take the seven minutes, Mister Cole.”
“Yes, ma’am. Where do you need me to be after that?”
“I’ll text you the details.” She paused for a moment, then added, “Consider this your first piece of personal information you wouldn’t normally know. Tucker Portsmith and I went to college together, and I consider him my best friend. It’s why I want you down there, looking out for him.”
With that, Phillipa hung up on him, but Thomas was already moving.
* * *
((All comments welcome. Good or bad, I'd love to hear your thoughts 🥰🤗))
I made a family tree/diagram of the Mystallian family that can be found here
For more of my work including WPs: Angel466 or an index of previous WPS here.
FULL INDEX OF BOB THE HOBO TO DATE CAN BE FOUND HERE!!

Here are all of the new US CCS (Level 3 fast-charging) stations that rolled out in May 2023, according to the Department of Energy. These chargers are suitable for most new EVs on the market, except for:

1. Tesla drivers who haven't bought the official CCS adapter yet. Certain older Teslas need additional work done to accept the adapter.
2. Leaf owners like me, and some owners of older cars that also use CHAdeMO. If you drive a Leaf, or an older CHAdeMO car, see my matching post in leaf.

Some of these chargepoints will be "refreshes," e.g. the provider replaced them with faster chargers etc. Some may be incorrect. This report is only as good as the Alternative Fuels Data Center data.
There were 222 CCS charge points added or refreshed in May 2023, which is up from 171 in April. For comparison, there were only 74 new CCS charge points in May 2022. Things are speeding up.
"What about CCS charging at Tesla superchargers?" Tesla is in the process of rolling out their "magic dock" for non-Tesla cars, but so far in very few locations. If they start doing this at scale and reporting it to the Alternative Fuels Data Center then it will be reflected here.
"What about Ford vehicles with NACS (Tesla) plugs?" They are not on sale yet. Current-generation Ford vehicles have CCS plugs. The next generation will have NACS (Tesla) plugs, but will also support CCS via an adapter.
If you'd like to know about new chargers along your routes right away, or just prefer not to check this list monthly when new openings are rare in your area, I've set up a free service that provides email notifications as soon as they open. You can sign up at evpov.com. Or not! I don't really have a business plan here, I built it to help EV owners like myself.
To streamline this post, multi-chargepoint locations are listed with the number of chargepoints first, so that's why the post is shorter than in previous months.

➡ AR (1) Franklin's Charging Little Rock 724 Woodrow St Little Rock, AR 72205 ➡ AZ (6) 942 E Parma Street (US-CMK-NVL-2A) 942 E Parma Street Gila Bend, AZ 85337 (1) Kroger Frys 62 (Mesa, AZ) 554 W Baseline Rd Mesa, AZ 85210 ➡ CA (1) Fairfield Inn & Suites 8700 Spectrum Pkwy Bakersfield, CA 93308 (1) MOSSY CDJR DC 1 1875 Auto Park Ave Chula Vista, CA 91911 (3) DC CORRIDOR CHEVRON C DC 2 25032 W Dorris Ave Coalinga, CA 93210 (1) South Coast Collection (SoCo) 3303 Hyland Ave Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (1) SCPPA SCPPA CPE200T 1160 Nicole Ct Glendora, CA 91740 (1) Chase Bank - 925 N Hacienda Blvd 925 N Hacienda Blvd La Puente, CA 91744 (1) WOODLANDHILLS ABB 24KW 01 22006 Erwin Street Los Angeles, CA 91367 (1) 7071 - Merced, CA (2020 Childs Ave) 2020 Childs Ave Merced, CA 95341 (1) Mojave Air & Spaceport (Building 1) 16922 Airport Blvd Mojave, CA 93501 (1) BMW MONROVIA OFF NETWORK 01 1425 Mountain Ave Monrovia, CA 91016 (1) Albertsons 1345 (Morro Bay, CA) 730 Quintana Road Morro City, CA 93442 (1) 3333 Fruitvale Ave 3333 Fruitvale Ave Oakland, CA 94602 (1) 7126 - Oakley, CA (5540 Bridgehead Road) 5540 Bridgehead Road Oakley, CA 94561 (1) CircleK - Palm Desert, CA 78005 Country Club Dr Palm Desert, CA 92211 (1) Hilton Garden Inn 20 Advantage Ct Sacramento, CA 95834 (1) BoA Hillcrest CA0-120 (San Diego, CA) 737 UNIVERSITY AVE San Diego, CA 92103 (1) WinCo Foods - Vacaville #60 855 Davis St Vacaville, CA 95687 ➡ CO (1) CITY OF ASPEN RIO GRANDE L3 427 Rio Grande Pl Aspen, CO 81611 (4) CSG EV BOULDER PL4 1500 Pearl St Boulder, CO 80302 (5) 1 Flatiron Crossing (US-ME8-73R-2B) 1 Flatiron Crossing Broomfield, CO 80021 (1) CircleK - Colorado City, CA 8950 S Interstate 25 Colorado City, CO 81004 (2) GPM INVESTMENTS 4590 DC1 8105 N Academy Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (2) KUM & GO CRAIG PL2 700 East Victory Way Craig, CO 81625 (1) DINO WELCOME DINOSAUR PL1 101 Stegosaurus Freeway Dinosaur, CO 81610 (2) PIKES PK CHARGE BA.CA.MI LLC #2 11027 US-24 Divide, CO 80814 (4) ANNEX SITE GEORGETOWN PL4 1120 Argentine Street Georgetown, CO 80444 (4) KUM & GO RIFLE PL4 705 Taugenbaugh Boulevard Rifle, CO 81650 (2) KUM & GO SB SPRINGS PL2 80 Anglers Drive Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 ➡ CT (1) BOA East Hartford CT2-120 (Hartford, CT) 805 E Main Street East Hartford, CT 06108 (1) HARTFORD BMW ABB OUTSIDE 1 Weston Park Rd Hartford, CT 06120 ➡ DE (1) First State Chevrolet 22694 DUPONT BLVD GEORGETOWN, DE 19947 ➡ FL (1) JNKNS JACKSONVI DC FAST 2 11107 Atlantic Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32225 (1) Simon Tampa Premium Outlets (Lutz, FL) 2300 Grand Cypress Dr Lutz, FL 33559 (1) Starbucks 9200 FL-228 Macclenny, FL 32063 (1) Ocean Cadillac 17800 Ipco Road Miami, FL 33162 (1) Sun Plaza 6339 W Colonial Dr Orlando, FL 32818 (1) Simon Orlando Vineland (Orlando, FL) 8200 Vineland Ave Orlando, FL 32821 (1) Simon Tyrone Square (St Petersburg, FL) 6901 22nd Ave N Peterburg, FL 33710 (1) BHY CHARGER 1 9915 E Adamo Dr Tampa, FL 33619 (1) Chase Bank - 5601 Red Bug Lake Rd 5601 Red Bug Lake Rd Winter Springs, FL 32708 ➡ GA (1) GEORGIA POWER EPICENTER DC1 135 riverside parkway SW Austell, GA 30168 (1) JACKSON EMC GAINESVILLE 1000 Dawsonville Highway Gainesville, GA 30501 ➡ IL (1) Castle Chevrolet North 175 N Arlington Heights Rd Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 (1) Sunrise Chevrolet 414 E N Ave Glendale Heights, IL 60139 ➡ IN (1) AVON HYUNDAI SALES 8775 E 36 Avon, IN 46123 (1) SHRM CHRG MERCEDESBENZFW 7227 W Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46804 (1) HOC CHARGERS CHARGER #1 4200 E 96th St Indianapolis, IN 46240 (1) Sullivan Cadillac 4040 SW College Rd Ocala, IN 34474 ➡ KS (1) HATCHETT FRONT_WEST 11200 E Central Ave Wichita, KS 67206 (1) HATCHETT BACK EAST 11330 E Central Ave Wichita, KS 67206 ➡ KY (1) JEFF WYLER FH EXPRESS 250 949 Burlington Pike Florence, KY 41042 ➡ LA (1) All Star Automotive 12730 Airline Highway Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (1) Target T1469 (Monroe, LA) 4103 Pecanland Mall Dr Monroe, LA 71203 ➡ MA (6) MASSPORT TNC 4 226 Porter St Boston, MA 02128 (2) MASSPORT TAXI 4 56 Harborside Dr Boston, MA 02128 (1) Littleton Electric Light & Water Department 39 Ayer Road Littleton, MA 01460 ➡ MD (2) POTOMAC EDISON ROCKY GAP DC1 16701 Lakeview Rd NE Flintstone, MD 21530 ➡ ME (1) DARLINGS HYUNDA SALES CHARGER 2 439 Western Ave Augusta, ME 04330 (2) IRVINGOIL ME-FFLD-L3-0001 206 Center Rd Fairfield, ME 04937 (1) MOBIL ONTHEWAY STATION 1 1930 Lisbon Street Lewiston, ME 04240 (1) MOBIL ONTHEWAY STATION 2 1938 Lisbon St Lewiston, ME 04240 ➡ MI (1) Belle Isle DC Fast Charge 176 Lakeside Dr Detroit, MI 48207 (1) Meijer 254 (Hudsonville, MI) 4075 32nd Ave Hudsonville, MI 49426 (1) Evergetic Charging Spa 330 South Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard Lansing, MI 48915 (1) Genesis Cadillac 19900 E Nine Mile Road St Clair Shores, MI 48080 (1) MBSTL ENTRANCE ABB 1048 Hampton Avenue St. Louis, MI 63139 (1) Range USA Ypsilanti 660 James L Hart Pkwy Ypsilanti, MI 48197 ➡ MN (1) WINNER GAS BROOKDALE DR 1500 Brookdale Dr Minneapolis, MN 55444 ➡ MO (1) GM - Allen Christian Buick GMC Inc 724 W Business US Highway 60, Dexter, MO 63841 (1) Store 290 Joplin - 2101 S. Prigmore &I44 2101 S Prigmore Joplin, MO 64804 ➡ MS (1) 1685 High St 1685 High St Jackson, MS 39202 ➡ NC (1) CAPE HATTERAS AVON PIER DCFC2 41001 North Carolina Hwy 12 Avon, NC 27915 (1) Westcott Buick GMC 2410 S CHURCH ST BURLINGTON, NC 27215 (1) 9960 Poplar Tent Rd 9960 Poplar Tent Rd Concord, NC 28027 (1) AEMC- AEMC HQ FAST 125 Cooperative Way Hertford, NC 27944 (1) Capital Hyundai of Jacksonville 2325 N Marine Blvd Jacksonville, NC 28546 (1) Chestnut Arbor 2925 Weddington Matthews Rd Matthews, NC 28105 ➡ NE (1) ERNST CHARGER 1 EAC CHARGER 615 23rd St E Columbus, NE 68601 ➡ NH (1) Berlin City Chevrolet 545 MAIN STREET GORHAM, NH 03581 (2) Tanger Tilton Under Armour 06-07 120 Laconia Road Tilton, NH 03256 ➡ NJ (1) ShopRite Carteret - Wakefern #511 801 Roosevelt Ave Carteret, NJ 07008 (1) Lester Glenn Freehold 3712 Rte 9 Freehold, NJ 07728 (2) FREEHOLDHYUNDAI VERIZON 1 4075 9 Freehold Township, NJ 07728 (2) CLASS 3 CHARGER HYUNDAI-2 250 Rte 4 Paramus, NJ 07652 (1) CIRCLEAUTOGROUP CH- CPE250 1 641 Shrewsbury Ave Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 (1) ROUTE 1 HYUNDAI CPE-250-02 3905 US 1 South Brunswick Township, NJ 08852 (1) ROUTE 1 HYUNDAI RT1-01 3913 US-1 South Brunswick Township, NJ 08852 (1) Lester Glenn Buick-GMC 230 RTE 37 E TOMS RIVER, NJ 08753 (1) Lester Glenn Chevrolet 398 Rt 37 Toms River, NJ 08753 ➡ NY (1) AAA WESTCENTRAL DC FAST CHARGER 100 International Dr Amherst, NY 14221 (2) KEELER STATION 6 1111 Troy Schenectady Rd Latham, NY 12110 (1) LEXUSMIDDLETOWN STATION 1 3496 US-6 Middletown, NY 10940 (1) Lerner NYC Station Plaza (Port Jefferson Station, NY) 5145 Nesconset Highway Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776 (3) BOB JOHNSON BOB JOHNSON KIA 3817 W Henrietta Rd Rochester, NY 14623 (1) Burr Truck Level 3 DC Fast Charge 2901 Vestal Rd Vestal, NY 13850 ➡ OH (1) Serra Chevrolet 3281 S Arlington Rd Akron, OH 44312 (1) Tim Lally Chevrolet 24999 Miles Rd Bedford Heights, OH 44128 (2) CRESTMONT DRIVECRESTMONT2 2961 Center Rd Brunswick, OH 44212 (1) Lambert Buick GMC 2409 FRONT ST CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH 44221 (1) Hampton Inn - Canton 5256 Broadmoor Cir NW Canton, OH 44709 (1) JEFF WYLER EXPRESS 250 Loop @ Far Hills Centerville, OH 45459 (1) DONWOODAUTO DW CHEVY 2 12916 OH-664 Logan, OH 43138 (2) WAG ABB STATION 1 8457 N Springboro Pike Miamisburg, OH 45342 (1) JEFF WYLER CORP 4- DC FAST 401 Milford Pkwy Milford, OH 45150 (1) Friendship Kitchen 70 3800 E. State Rd. Port Clinton, OH 43452 (1) Friendship Kitchen 83 4024 Hayes Ave. Sandusky, OH 44870 (1) Serpentini Chevrolet of Strongsville 15303 Royalton Rd Strongsville, OH 44136 (1) Don's Automotive Group 720 N SHOOP AVE WAUSEON, OH 43567 (1) Bush Auto Place 1850 Rombach Avenue Wilmington, OH 45177 ➡ OK (1) EDMOND HYUNDAI EDMOND 4 14137 N Broadway Ext Edmond, OK 73013 ➡ OR (6) 12000 SE 82nd Ave (US-H8H-UM5-2A) 12000 SE 82nd Ave Happy Valley, OR 97086 (1) PGE IBEW 48 15937 NE Airport Way Portland, OR 97230 ➡ PA (1) DOYLESTOWN 024B1000008033 4465 W Swamp Rd Doylestown, PA 18902 (2) LIBERTY CHARWASH PL 2 2595 Maryland Road Willow Grove, PA 19090 (1) Bergeys Inc 518 RTE 309 colmar, PA 18915 ➡ PR (2) BMW AUTOGERMANA CPE 250 PKNG 2 106 Calle Acuarela Guaynabo, PR 00969 (2) BMW AUTOGERMANA FTZ120KW-2 1086 Ave. Muñoz Rivera San Juan, PR 00919 ➡ RI (1) Paul Masse Chevrolet 1111 Taunton Ave East Providence, RI 02914 ➡ SC (1) Travelers Rest Municipal Complex 125 Trailblazer Dr Travelers Rest, SC 29690 ➡ TN (4) I24 EXIT11 STATION 1 (LL) 701 Sango Road Clarksville, TN 37043 (2) DISTRICT 2 STATION 1 (L) 28 S Park Ave Hohenwald, TN 38462 (2) LAWRENCEBURG STATION 2 (R) 2347 Hwy 43 N Leoma, TN 38468 (1) MB OF MEMPHIS STATION 1 5401 Poplar Ave Memphis, TN 38119 ➡ TX (1) Friendly Chevrolet 2754 North Stemmons Way Dallas, TX 75207 (1) Plaza de Oro 4450 W Jefferson Blvd Dallas, TX 75211 (1) Shell 3302 S Eastman Rd Longview, TX 75602 (1) 3220 Gulf Fwy 3220 Gulf Fwy Texas City, TX 77591 ➡ UT (2) VOLVO CAR USA SANDY DC 2 56 W 9000 S Sandy, UT 84070 ➡ VA (1) BLACKWELL D1 4874 Riverside Dr Danville, VA 24541 (1) Fleet Management Site (For Testing Purpose Only) 512 Herndon Pkwy Herndon, VA 20170 (6) 2577 Jeb Stuart Highway (US-TDM-SCC-1C) 2577 Jeb Stuart Highway Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 (5) 2203 Franklin Road Southwest (US-TUJ-L2K-2C) 2203 Franklin Road Southwest Roanoke, VA 24014 (6) 437 Tiffany Drive (US-CHT-WF7-2C) 437 Tiffany Drive Waynesboro, VA 22980 (2) KOONS HYUNDAI STATION 1 1880 Opitz Blvd Woodbridge, VA 22191 ➡ VT (1) Cody Chevrolet 364 RIVER ST MONTPELIER, VT 05602 ➡ WA (1) 7112 - Bellevue WA (12903 NE 20th Street) 12903 NE 20th Bellevue, WA 98005 (1) 7060 - Burlington, WA (1790 South Burlington Blvd) 1790 South Burlington Blvd Burlington, WA 98233 (1) 5507 - Everett, WA (901 Casino Road) 901 Casino Road Everett, WA 98204 (1) 7025 - Everett, WA (13131 Bothell Everett Hwy) 13131 Bothell Everett Hwy Everett, WA 98208 (1) 4397 - Kelso, WA (1700 Allen Street) 1700 Allen Street Kelso, WA 98626 (1) 7063 - Olympia, WA (1725 Evergreen Park Drive SW) 1725 Evergreen Park Drive SW Olympia, WA 98502 (2) HANSON MOTORS HM3 QUICKCHARGE 2300 Carriage Loop SW Olympia, WA 98502 (1) 7096 - Sequim, WA (51 Carlsborg Road) 51 Carlsborg Road Sequim, WA 98382 (1) Walmart 2539 - Spokane Valley, WA 15727 E Broadway Ave Spokane Valley, WA 99037 (1) 7054 -Vancouver, WA 98664 (10314 SE Mill Plain Road) 13014 SE Mill Plain Rd Vancouver, WA 98684 (1) 7059 - Woodinville, WA (13023 NE 175th St) 13023 NE 175th St Woodinville, WA 98072 ➡ WI (1) BERG HYUNDAI VLI-L3-PDI-4 2900 N Victory Ln Appleton, WI 54913 (1) Wheelers Chevrolet of Coloma 1978 Charles Way Coloma, WI 54930 (1) Wheelers Chevrolet GMC of Marshfield 2701 S. Maple Ave Marshfield, WI 54449 

Top 10 Places to Visit in Thailand

From the glittering temples to white sand beaches and culinary traditions, Thailand has captured the attention of every tourist. Famous as the ‘Land of Smiles,’ this blog will help you prepare the best itinerary for your next vacation by offering a list of the top 10 places to visit in Thailand.
Are you searching for the best tourist destination for a family or honeymoon vacation? Don’t worry. We have the perfect choice for you!
Thailand offers visitors an ideal mix of adventure, peace, romance, and royalty. It is popularly known for its pristine beaches, magnificent temples, rich culture, and flavorful cuisines. The Big Buddha, Golden Triangle, delicious street food, and exotic floating market completely fascinate Northern Thailand and Southern Thailand among visitors.
This country is home to an incredibly rich cultural heritage, breathtaking scenery, and incredible nightlife. Whether going out with your friends and family or planning a romantic getaway with your partner, nothing can be better than making unforgettable memories in Thailand.
Thailand hosts many cities, each with a unique identity and charm. We know it’s challenging to identify the top ones from the platter. So, we have relieved you of this task by listing the top 10 places to visit in Thailand.
Bangkok – The capital city
It is Thailand’s capital city and offers an exhilarating mix of the big-city bustle, modern architecture, and happening lifestyle. It hosts the impressive grand temple of Wat Pho with the giant reclining Buddha, and the shimmering nightlife is a treat to watch. The Chatuchak weekend market, loaded with sumptuous Thai cuisine and shopping sprees, is no less than a pleasing gimmick for travelers. The Khao San Road is the best place to begin your journey and experience the tropical beauty of Bangkok.
Khao Yai National Park – The wildlife haven
If you are a wildlife enthusiast, Khao Yai National Park is the best place to soothe your love for animals. It is the first and the third largest national park in Thailand. This UNESCO world heritage site shelters diverse wildlife like elephants, monkeys, hornbills, wild Thai tigers, gibbons, bats, Asian black bears, freshwater crocodiles, pig-tailed macaques, etc. The dense, dripping flora and beautiful waterfall are a sight to watch the long-standing natural preserve. The park also features more than 50 km long hiking and biking trails passing through the jungle pools of vines and orchids.
Phuket – A family getaway
The palm-fringed beaches, authentic and delicious cuisines, exotic local culture, luxurious spas, and high-lit lifestyle make up the ravishing beauty of Phuket. Adventure the adrenaline rush with kayaking, jungle trekking, white water rafting, scuba diving, and much more. Phuket is the country’s largest island and the perfect family getaway for relaxation and pampering. A visit to Patong Beach, the most popular beach in Phuket, and Phang Nga Bay, a fantastic place that houses aquatic grottoes, limestone islands, and beautiful caves, fill up the fun spaces in the entire journey.
Chiang Mai – The temple city
With more than 300 temples, Chiang Mai is famous for its rich and magnificent ancient temples. It is the second-largest city in Thailand and home to two tribal villages. For tourists wishing to experience the coexistence of historical and modern Thai architecture in the mountainous landscapes, Chiang Mai is the perfect place to be. One of the most famous temples in the area is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, situated on a mountainside overlooking the city. Some of the fascinations of Chiang Mai are botanical gardens, handicraft markets, elephant nature parks, etc.
Sukhothai – Rich ancient ruins
Sukhothai beholds the rich ancient historical sites, statues, and temples of Thai culture. It was the first capital of Thailand, then Siam, during the 13th century. The Sukhothai historical park is home to multiple ancient temples, Buddha statues, chedis, and other archaeological sites highlighting Thailand’s rich history with stucco relief. This place depicts the golden period of Thai civilization – The Dawn of Happiness through its architectural beauty. If you reach early, you can also experience the peaceful and rare sight of the sun glinting off the historical sites.
Ko Chang – The Elephant Island
If you are looking for the best of a tropical vacation with your friends, family, or spouse, Ko Chang is the best destination to capture the most beautiful memories. It is the second-largest island in Thailand and has the elephant-shaped headland. Hence, famous as Elephant Island. The area is adorned with vast sandy beaches and tropical jungles. The White Sand Beach is the island’s most popular and longest beach to visit, and Namtok Khlong Phlu is the largest waterfall in Ko Chang that drops into cascading tiers. The route here is underdeveloped, so getting here is more of a trek. This island offers tourists fun, rustic, budgeted bungalows, glittering bars, and restaurants.
Kanchanaburi – City with the iron railway bridge
Although admired for its natural beauty, national parks, waterfalls, and gigantic scenery, Kanchanaburi is primarily known for its iron bridge over the river Kwai that links the Death Railway to Burma. It got its name as “Death Railways” because, between 1942-1943, one hundred thousand Asian laborers and prisoners of World War II died during its 16 months of construction under the Japanese occupation during WWII. Kanchanaburi is also an ideal pursuit for hiking and rafting. You also get to explore the Thailand-Burma Railway Center, an interactive museum that tells the tragic story, and the JEATH war museum, a replica of the ‘prisoners of war camp.’
Krabi Province – Authentic Thai culture
If you are fascinated with the authenticity of Thai culture, Krabi Town, a small city in the Malay peninsula, is the perfect vacation destination to engross more in it. Flourished with jaw-dropping scenery and island-hopping tours, this place is one of the must-visit destinations for a vacation trip to Thailand. Some popular attractions of Krabi town are Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint, Railay Beach, Bamboo Island, PhraNang Cave Beach, etc. Explore the local night markets, have a soothing Thai massage, and spend days wandering around the incredible nearby attractions.
Koh Tao – Learn to dive
This 21 sq. km island remained uninhabited until the late 1900s and was recently developed as a travel destination. If you are a marine water activity enthusiast, Koh Tao is the best place to learn diving and become a certified diver. It also offers open water diving courses. The place is also home to abundant marine life like whale sharks, butterflyfish, bull sharks, batfish, etc. Koh Tao also offers to explore the vibrant scenes of vast sandy beaches, lush forests, and majestic granite rock formations. Travelers can accommodate in luxury resorts while enjoying the scenic paradise.
Pattaya – Pulsating nightlife
Pattaya is the best place to be if you are a party freak and enjoy loud music, running lights, and booze! Formerly a beach resort for American GIs during the Vietnam War, Pattaya is famous for its raucous nightlife, exotic bars and clubs, massage parlors, and adultery. However, the quality of its beaches, multiple water sports, shopping centers, and entertainment zones have cleaned up Pattaya’s reputation as a family vacation destination.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Thailand
From the glittering temples to white sand beaches and culinary traditions, Thailand has captured the attention of every tourist. Famous as the ‘Land of Smiles,’ this blog will help you prepare the best itinerary for your next vacation by offering a list of the top 10 places to visit in Thailand.
Are you searching for the best tourist destination for a family or honeymoon vacation? Don’t worry. We have the perfect choice for you!
Thailand offers visitors an ideal mix of adventure, peace, romance, and royalty. It is popularly known for its pristine beaches, magnificent temples, rich culture, and flavorful cuisines. The Big Buddha, Golden Triangle, delicious street food, and exotic floating market completely fascinate Northern Thailand and Southern Thailand among visitors.
This country is home to an incredibly rich cultural heritage, breathtaking scenery, and incredible nightlife. Whether going out with your friends and family or planning a romantic getaway with your partner, nothing can be better than making unforgettable memories in Thailand.
Thailand hosts many cities, each with a unique identity and charm. We know it’s challenging to identify the top ones from the platter. So, we have relieved you of this task by listing the top 10 places to visit in Thailand.
Bangkok – The capital city
It is Thailand’s capital city and offers an exhilarating mix of the big-city bustle, modern architecture, and happening lifestyle. It hosts the impressive grand temple of Wat Pho with the giant reclining Buddha, and the shimmering nightlife is a treat to watch. The Chatuchak weekend market, loaded with sumptuous Thai cuisine and shopping sprees, is no less than a pleasing gimmick for travelers. The Khao San Road is the best place to begin your journey and experience the tropical beauty of Bangkok.
Khao Yai National Park – The wildlife haven
If you are a wildlife enthusiast, Khao Yai National Park is the best place to soothe your love for animals. It is the first and the third largest national park in Thailand. This UNESCO world heritage site shelters diverse wildlife like elephants, monkeys, hornbills, wild Thai tigers, gibbons, bats, Asian black bears, freshwater crocodiles, pig-tailed macaques, etc. The dense, dripping flora and beautiful waterfall are a sight to watch the long-standing natural preserve. The park also features more than 50 km long hiking and biking trails passing through the jungle pools of vines and orchids.
Phuket – A family getaway
The palm-fringed beaches, authentic and delicious cuisines, exotic local culture, luxurious spas, and high-lit lifestyle make up the ravishing beauty of Phuket. Adventure the adrenaline rush with kayaking, jungle trekking, white water rafting, scuba diving, and much more. Phuket is the country’s largest island and the perfect family getaway for relaxation and pampering. A visit to Patong Beach, the most popular beach in Phuket, and Phang Nga Bay, a fantastic place that houses aquatic grottoes, limestone islands, and beautiful caves, fill up the fun spaces in the entire journey.
Chiang Mai – The temple city
With more than 300 temples, Chiang Mai is famous for its rich and magnificent ancient temples. It is the second-largest city in Thailand and home to two tribal villages. For tourists wishing to experience the coexistence of historical and modern Thai architecture in the mountainous landscapes, Chiang Mai is the perfect place to be. One of the most famous temples in the area is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, situated on a mountainside overlooking the city. Some of the fascinations of Chiang Mai are botanical gardens, handicraft markets, elephant nature parks, etc.
Sukhothai – Rich ancient ruins
Sukhothai beholds the rich ancient historical sites, statues, and temples of Thai culture. It was the first capital of Thailand, then Siam, during the 13th century. The Sukhothai historical park is home to multiple ancient temples, Buddha statues, chedis, and other archaeological sites highlighting Thailand’s rich history with stucco relief. This place depicts the golden period of Thai civilization – The Dawn of Happiness through its architectural beauty. If you reach early, you can also experience the peaceful and rare sight of the sun glinting off the historical sites.
Ko Chang – The Elephant Island
If you are looking for the best of a tropical vacation with your friends, family, or spouse, Ko Chang is the best destination to capture the most beautiful memories. It is the second-largest island in Thailand and has the elephant-shaped headland. Hence, famous as Elephant Island. The area is adorned with vast sandy beaches and tropical jungles. The White Sand Beach is the island’s most popular and longest beach to visit, and Namtok Khlong Phlu is the largest waterfall in Ko Chang that drops into cascading tiers. The route here is underdeveloped, so getting here is more of a trek. This island offers tourists fun, rustic, budgeted bungalows, glittering bars, and restaurants.
Kanchanaburi – City with the iron railway bridge
Although admired for its natural beauty, national parks, waterfalls, and gigantic scenery, Kanchanaburi is primarily known for its iron bridge over the river Kwai that links the Death Railway to Burma. It got its name as “Death Railways” because, between 1942-1943, one hundred thousand Asian laborers and prisoners of World War II died during its 16 months of construction under the Japanese occupation during WWII. Kanchanaburi is also an ideal pursuit for hiking and rafting. You also get to explore the Thailand-Burma Railway Center, an interactive museum that tells the tragic story, and the JEATH war museum, a replica of the ‘prisoners of war camp.’
Krabi Province – Authentic Thai culture
If you are fascinated with the authenticity of Thai culture, Krabi Town, a small city in the Malay peninsula, is the perfect vacation destination to engross more in it. Flourished with jaw-dropping scenery and island-hopping tours, this place is one of the must-visit destinations for a vacation trip to Thailand. Some popular attractions of Krabi town are Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint, Railay Beach, Bamboo Island, PhraNang Cave Beach, etc. Explore the local night markets, have a soothing Thai massage, and spend days wandering around the incredible nearby attractions.
Koh Tao – Learn to dive
This 21 sq. km island remained uninhabited until the late 1900s and was recently developed as a travel destination. If you are a marine water activity enthusiast, Koh Tao is the best place to learn diving and become a certified diver. It also offers open water diving courses. The place is also home to abundant marine life like whale sharks, butterflyfish, bull sharks, batfish, etc. Koh Tao also offers to explore the vibrant scenes of vast sandy beaches, lush forests, and majestic granite rock formations. Travelers can accommodate in luxury resorts while enjoying the scenic paradise.
Pattaya – Pulsating nightlife
Pattaya is the best place to be if you are a party freak and enjoy loud music, running lights, and booze! Formerly a beach resort for American GIs during the Vietnam War, Pattaya is famous for its raucous nightlife, exotic bars and clubs, massage parlors, and adultery. However, the quality of its beaches, multiple water sports, shopping centers, and entertainment zones have cleaned up Pattaya’s reputation as a family vacation destination.

The East Coast of the United States is a treasure trove of breathtaking destinations, offering a myriad of experiences for travelers of all kinds. From stunning natural wonders to vibrant cities, the East Coast boasts an impressive array of vacation spots that are waiting to be discovered. In this article, we will highlight some of the top East Coast vacation spots, but for a comprehensive guide, be sure to check out the full blog post at Travelling Wings: www.travellingwings.com/40-best-east-coast-vacation-spots.

1. Mystic, Connecticut: Nestled on the shores of Long Island Sound, Mystic exudes a charming coastal vibe. With its historic seaport, captivating maritime history, and renowned Mystic Aquarium, this quaint town is one of the must-visit East Coast vacation spots.
2. Bar Harbor, Maine: Located near Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is a picturesque coastal town renowned for its stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. From hiking along scenic trails to exploring the charming streets filled with boutiques and eateries, Bar Harbor stands out among the best east coast vacation spots.
3. Charleston, South Carolina: With its cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions, and vibrant culinary scene, Charleston is a haven for history enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Immerse yourself in the city's rich heritage as you stroll through its beautiful gardens and soak up the Southern charm that defines the best east coast vacation spots.
4. Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod is a beloved summer destination known for its sandy beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and charming seaside villages. Explore the Cape's coastal beauty, indulge in fresh seafood, and create unforgettable memories at one of the top east coast vacation spots.
5. Miami, Florida: A vibrant city bursting with energy, Miami offers a unique blend of stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and diverse cultural experiences. Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene, savor delicious cuisine, and soak up the sun along the iconic South Beach, making it one of the top east coast vacation spots.

Conclusion: The East Coast of the United States is home to a multitude of incredible vacation spots, each offering its own unique charm and allure. From historic towns to breathtaking coastal landscapes, the possibilities for exploration are endless. For a comprehensive guide to the 40 best East Coast vacation spots, be sure to visit the full blog post at Travelling Wings: www.travellingwings.com/40-best-east-coast-vacation-spots.. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey and discover the wonders of the East Coast's top vacation spots!

“MOM!” I screamed till my lungs held no air and my throat bled, I raced across the field and grasped the sheet metal roof with my entire palm, cutting my flesh and shredding my skin against the hot sharp edges. I pulled with all my might, raising the roof barely an inch before I collapsed in tears and reached for my moms hand. Her eyes were cloudy and tears ran down her face. “Its ok my son, its all gonna be ok, you need to find your father now” I nodded and wrapped my arms around her head “Ill be right back mama, dad can get this off of you, im sure of it” A jeep raced by and stopped with a screech as the tires left small skids along the tarmac, the base captain stood up from the drivers seat and screamed to me “Lets go! We gotta get you outta here” I leapt into the back sat and clung to the pole, standing atop the back seat as the captain slammed his foot against the pedal and raced across the runway. “No good on the escape cap, I gotta get my dad, my moms trapped under the barracks” He looked back at me for a second and I looked down to him, my hair flowing in the wind and sweat pouring down, mixing with the blood that ran down my cheek. “Good god kid how are you even standing right now?” I veered and scanned the horizon, my eyes falling upon a set of distant lights dancing across the sky. I pointed up to the darker of the two massive vehicles that were locked in mid air combat “Up there, thats dads machine, whos he fighting?” The base captain looked up and leaned forward squinting his eyes and falling silent as he did. He stopped the jeep and sat there, mouth open, eyes glued to the sky. I shook him and repeated the question. “Yo, theres no time for this, who is that?” The captain shook his head and spoke calmly “Theres plenty of time kid, none of us are surviving this…here” He reached down and grabbed a folder from the passenger glovebox, the wind flipping the top as he handed me the bundle of papers. I flipped through until I recognized a file photo. It was almost the exact same design as my fathers machine, the most powerful in the world, but it was darker, and there had been a skull painted on the visor of the mechs gigantic head. It held a long flat edged blade and from the look of the picture, it was taken only seconds before the gory demise of whoever took it. “So the reapers made his way to american shores. So what? This changes nothing. Dad can take him” I leapt out of the jeep and made a beeline for the nearest hangar as the captain shouted from behind me “Hey kid! Get back here, what the hell do you think youre doing?” I barreled into the hangar doors, taking no time to feel the pain my shoulder was now in from having smacked the thick metal door. I wrenched with all my might and threw open the rolling entrance shutter. The lights flickered on as the eyes of my own machine stared back at me, offline and still in desparate need of repair “Im getting in, no time for chitchat captain I need you to give me startup” He shook his head as he leapt out of the jeep and walked toward me “Youre only 11, getting in that machine could kill you, or worse it could actually start up and become a big ass metal coffin. Do you think your parents would want that?” I spoke under my breath for a moment “Better a metal coffin covered in weapons then a wooden one covered in bullshit” He huffed at me “God where do you get this nerve…Oh wait…right…son of the admiral…Alright screw it, were dead either way, get up in the cockpit” I smiled at him and pulled myself into the chest high compartment, sitting in the seat and buckling the main cross belt. “Strapped in captain, starting sequence, can you disconnect me?” He nodded and sprinted around the back of the machines tall legs, pulling the various diagnostic cables and wrenching the stilts from its knees. I looked at the gaff tape I had put inside, following the sequence I had mapped out when i first got the machine, switching the core on and letting the fans spin up. The captain yelled over the noise as the machine whirred to life and stood up. I heard his voice come through the internal speakers “Damn, guess your repairs actually got somewhere. Listen, your internal batteries only good for about 15 minutes, get your mom and then swing back here, if you want any semblance of a chance then youre gonna need a rechar-” I pushed the gears forward and exploded out of the hangar, banking right and hitting the air brakes. The machine flipped forward and threw the wings into gear, sending me rocketing across the tarmac, now 100 tons heavier and 2000 times stronger. I slid to a stop next to my home barracks and knelt down, letting the scanners pinpoint my mother and allowing the hydraulics ample time to adjust before gently grabbing the roof of the building, and pulling up slowly. The captains jeep screeched to a halt next to me as he raced from the car and knelt down beside my mother. He inspected her body for a moment before falling to his knees entirely. I threw the roof and opened the hatchway, launching out of the cockpit and hitting the ground hard next to them. “Shes ok right?” The captain shook his head and put his hand on my shoulder, the smoke stung my eyes as the various fires filled the air with toxic fumes. “There wouldnt have been anything to do, she took too much force from the collapse, im sorry” I shook my head as tears flowed from my eyes “Shes just fucking with us. Mom! Wake up! Youre funny like this but nows not the time weve gotta go and help dad” I shook her shoulders, first gently, then more forcefully as I tried to wake her. I flipped her and her glossy lifeless eyes stared at the sky, still crying. “Shes gone kid, im so sorry” I let out a sob as I knelt down and put my head on her chest “Its not your fault, its mine, I shouldnt have left her, we should have never been attacked” He put a hand on my shoulder and gently rubbed my back “I should have been more aware, im the captain here, its my job to be aware” I rose and gently put my palm over her eyes, closing them with my hand and taking a deep breath through stifled sobs. “You do your best, all the time, its why we respect you. I need you to watch after my mom now, I need to go help dad make sure this doesnt happen to anyone else” He stood up and put his hands up, pushing me back softly and speaking in a low tone “No way kid, you need to grieve, i cant let you back in there in the condition youre in, Ill pilot, or ill call reinforcements, youll be no match” I smiled and moved past him “Id rather bite it in the sky with my dad then sit here and stare at my mom, I cant idle captain” He nodded and bit his lip in thought “Ok…ok…then maybe I can help better. Here, face me” I turned toward him and took a deep breath “We dont have time for this man come o-” He yelled “Face me soldier” I turned fully and stood at attention, my face inquisitive “Ok, ok, what” He brought his hand up to his torso “Ensign Rath, repeat after me and follow suit” I brought my hand up to my own torso and made a fist just as he did “Yes sir” He smiled wide and spoke with authority “I, Ensign Rath” I nodded and repeated “I Ensign Rath” “Accept the rank of Lieutenant O3” I smiled wide and nodded “Accept the rank of Lieutenant O3” He nodded and continued “And vow to use the weapons this rank has been assigned to take on the greatest of threats” The plan clicked in my mind and I continued to follow suit “And vow to use the weapons this rank has been assigned to take on the greatest of threats” As I finished he saluted me and spoke solemnly “It is with great honor and harrowing guilt that I now present you the rank of Lieutenant O3 in the united states naval defense office. I present you with temporary access to the associated weapons in upgrades, and I now release you into the arms of whichever god you so worship, Suit up, and fight like the warrior spirits that have fallen before you” I shook his hand and nodded, feeling pride replace my guilt as I saluted and turned toward my machine. I leapt into the cockpit and stood tall, the captains voice came over my internal speaker “Im heading to valhalla, Hit the skies and get in the fight, ill send a support pack in 2 minutes with 2 hours of extended run time and all the other things youll need to throw down alongside your father. This bases continued operation now relies on the two of you, I know youve had limited training, and some of the controls might even be too far for you to operate properly, but youre a warrior now” I took off into the air, engaging my thrusters and cutting through the clouds like a fiery razor. As rain hit my screen and the distant clap of thunder rolled through, I scanned the surroundings for my father and his machine. I didnt have to look long till he barreled into me while recovering from a glancing blow. “RATH WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING UP HERE” My fathers booming voice shook my brain and rattled my core “Im here to support” He raised his shield and deflected another swing from the reaper, filling the sky with sparks as the flat blade cut across his defense “Get out of here now, where is your mother?” I fell silent as he grabbed my machine with his own and jetted away “Rath! Answer me, why isnt she watc-” I heard him realize, I could feel his heart sink as we stopped in the midst of an anvil cloud, and i could barely see his form in front of me. When a pilot takes his hands off the controls, the machine typically centers its arms to avoid unintended movement, and I could only see the silhouette of his wings as a deep breath came over my intercom “Im so sorry my son, I should have been down there” I shook my head and spoke softly “Then wed all be dead pops, just like the captain you were doing your job as best as you could. Weve got all the time in the world to mourn later, but right now weve gotta make sure this bastard cant pave the way for his friends” I felt the support pack collide with my machine and the cockpit lit up bright as I watched my uptime increase “You make a fair point son, alright, normally id tell you to hit the ground but today I suppose we'll make an exception. Did you receive proper clearance?” The packs armor crawled along my frame and locked in, covering the various dents and scrapes that had been so characteristic of my mech. The improved wings swung into place and I heard the lift fans spin to max. I moved my throttles forward and emerged from the cloud, the full shroud of my machine now dispersed and the new world open to me. “0-3 lieutenant Rath reporting for duty sir, happy to serve alongside you” He spoke calmly “Congratulations my son, your mother would be beyond proud” I reached behind me and remove the tall mace that came standard with almost all lieutenant support packages, but as the flat bulky blade came into view, I noticed a strange sigil on the shielding of the weapon. “Hey dad, any clue what this thing is?” I turned the mace toward him and he flew close “A gift from your mother, you werent supposed to see it for several years but it seems she finished it early. It was a sort of bug that used to be all over the place around here…called a butterfly. You loved them as a baby” I nodded and smiled “Ok, I wanna use this gift for a long time, you think we can beat this guy?” He huffed “Me and you? Were gonna turn him into a monument and stick his armor on display for the world to see” The sky split with lightning as the reaper crossed our paths and came to a stop just a few hundred yards away. As his machines deadly red eyes glowed antithesis to the bright morning sky, a foreign voice filled my cockpit. It held a thick baltic accent, and I knew it could only belong to one man. “You armor is shiny, new, you are young, inexperienced. I let you live, you escape, you till your friends, I kill you later, once you make others fear me” When I had built my machine, I had done so from scratch. I had added and removed things I felt would make me stronger then others, and while I was no heavier due to improved armor, I had still clocked in as the fastest machine in history. The rotors in my arms couldnt survive more then a few hits, the joints in my wrist werent durable enough to deliver full power trikes, but the engines that drove me could surpass all known aircraft and every recorded vehicle in land or air. “Come kill me now, I wanna see your face when I cut your armor in two” He grunted loudly and screamed at me as he flashed across the sky, drawing his blade and splitting the sunlight with speed. I held still and took a deep breath, before swinging, making contact with his arm and spinning mid air. I watched as the skull icon shattered beneath my mace and the sword glanced well below my feet. My father followd the strike with his own mace and drove his engines forward, propelling them both back into the lower sky. I tailed close behind, remembering the eyes of my mother as life escaped her body. With tears in my eye I screamed back “Youl pay today, and youll go broke!” I swung again and again as my father drove the two mechs faster and faster. I pulled the head from the reaper as my father pummeled it. I held it by a braid of cables and met my father in the air over and over. We blocked blows and chipped away, moving faster and faster as my arms grew sore and my voice grew hoarse.I felt my fathers full strength meet my own as we punched at the same time. My mechanical fist shattered inside the reapers torso and I heard a scream as his comms went silent. We watched together as his armor fell from the sky and exploded upon impact, sending a shockwave across the surface as the sound of the boom finally reached us. “Son, take her in for a landing, I know that seemed quick but youre most likely nearing your suits limit” I looked at my counter and noticed a dark red second screen, I had 1 minute and 45 seconds so I turned the engines off and entered a freefall, plummeting toward the earth before pulling them full plast and hovering just above the bases concrete landing pads. I watched my father gracefully swing downward and rocket toward the ground, spinning his feet once he hit the grass and disengaging his wings. His machine came to a halt just a few feet from his designated hanger and I dropped my own armor the ground, kneeling and leaping from the cockpit as i did so. I collapsed as I hit the pavement and my father came running over. He caught me before I could hit the ground and held me up by my arm. He was bloodier then I was but still moving with unparalleled strength. I coughed as he helped me hobble toward the runway before the captain parked next to us in his jeep and helped get me into the seat. My father sat in the passenger seat and leaned his head back, closing his eyes as I did the same. “You did good today son, get some rest and well take care of everything, youre too young for all of this, I'm so sorry” I took a deep breath and curled up in the back seat “Me too dad…me too”

In today's interconnected world, WiFi has become an essential technology that enables us to stay connected and access information seamlessly. However, the effectiveness of WiFi networks heavily relies on the extent of coverage provided by the routers. This study aims to delve into the various factors that influence WiFi coverage and explore the impact of coverage on connectivity.
Understanding WiFi Coverage:
· WiFi Coverage Definition
WiFi coverage refers to the geographical area within which a wireless router can provide a stable and reliable internet connection.
· Factors Influencing WiFi Coverage
Several factors affect WiFi coverage, including the distance between the router and devices, physical obstructions like walls and furniture, interference from other electronic devices, and the router's power and antenna strength.
Methods and Tools for WiFi Coverage Study:
· Signal Strength Measurement: Signal strength measurements are crucial to assess WiFi coverage. Specialized tools such as WiFi and spectrum analyzers help measure signal strength, identify dead zones, and locate areas with weak or strong signals.
· Site Surveys: Conducting site surveys involves physically inspecting the premises to identify potential obstructions, interference sources, and dead zones. Site surveys also help in determining the optimal router placement for maximum coverage.
Impact of WiFi Coverage on Connectivity:
· Connection Reliability: WiFi coverage directly affects connection reliability. Weak signals or dead zones can result in dropped connections, slow data transfer rates, and intermittent connectivity issues, leading to frustration and reduced productivity.
· User Experience: WiFi coverage significantly impacts user experience. A robust coverage area ensures smooth browsing, seamless streaming, and uninterrupted communication, enhancing user satisfaction and productivity.
· IoT Devices and Smart Homes: WiFi coverage becomes even more critical with the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and smart homes. These devices rely on stable connectivity to function optimally, and weak coverage can hamper their performance and render them ineffective.
Indoor and outdoor wifi coverage study
A study on indoor and outdoor WiFi coverage involves assessing the strength, range, and quality of WiFi signals in different environments. Here's a general outline of how such a study could be conducted:
· Objective: Define the goal of the study, such as evaluating the WiFi coverage in a specific location, identifying areas with weak signal strength, or comparing indoor and outdoor coverage.
· Selection of test locations: Choose a variety of locations to represent different indoor and outdoor environments, including residential buildings, offices, public spaces, and outdoor areas like parks or campuses. Ensure that the selected locations have a range of characteristics that may affect WiFi signals, such as distance from the WiFi source, obstacles, and interference.
· Equipment: Gather the necessary equipment, including WiFi routers, access points, laptops or mobile devices for testing, and appropriate software for signal measurement and analysis. It's important to use consistent and reliable equipment across all test locations to ensure accurate results.
· Signal strength measurement: Use WiFi signal strength measurement tools or apps to assess the signal strength at various points in each location. Record the results for analysis.
· Signal quality evaluation: Measure signal quality parameters such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), signal stability, and packet loss rates. This will help determine the overall quality of the WiFi signal in different areas.
· Range assessment: Measure the maximum range of the WiFi signal by gradually moving away from the source until the signal becomes weak or unusable. Note the distance at which the signal starts to degrade significantly.
· Interference analysis: Identify potential sources of interference, such as other WiFi networks, electronic devices, or physical obstacles like walls or furniture. Analyze the impact of interference on the WiFi signal quality and range.
· Data analysis: Analyze the collected data to identify trends, patterns, and variations in WiFi coverage between indoor and outdoor locations. Compare the signal strength, quality, and range in different environments.
· Recommendations: Based on the study findings, provide recommendations for improving WiFi coverage in specific areas, such as adjusting the placement of routers or access points, utilizing signal boosters or repeaters, or implementing network optimization techniques.
· Reporting: Summarize the study results in a comprehensive report, including detailed methodology, data analysis, and recommendations. Include visual representations like maps or graphs to illustrate the findings effectively.
Remember that WiFi coverage can be influenced by various factors, including the specific hardware and network configurations used. Conducting multiple studies or replicating the study in different locations can help ensure the generalizability of the results.
Enhancing WiFi Coverage:
· Router Placement: Proper router placement plays a vital role in improving WiFi coverage. Centralizing the router, avoiding obstructions, and considering the signal propagation characteristics can maximize coverage area.
· Router Upgrades: Upgrading routers with advanced technologies, such as multiple antennas, beamforming, and mesh networking, can extend coverage and improve signal strength.
· WiFi Range Extenders: WiFi range extenders or repeaters can be strategically placed to amplify signals and extend coverage to areas with weak signals, effectively eliminating dead zones.
Future Trends in WiFi Coverage:
· WiFi 6 and Beyond: The introduction of WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and subsequent advancements promise higher speeds, increased capacity, and improved coverage. These technologies aim to provide better performance in congested environments and enhance overall WiFi coverage.
· 5G Integration: As 5G networks expand, WiFi and cellular technologies are expected to integrate more seamlessly. The convergence of these networks may lead to improved coverage and connectivity options for users.
WiFi coverage is a crucial aspect of connectivity in today's digital landscape. By understanding the factors that influence coverage and conducting comprehensive studies, we can identify areas for improvement and optimize WiFi networks for enhanced performance. With ongoing advancements in technology, the future holds even greater potential for expanding WiFi coverage and ensuring reliable connectivity for all.

New Orleans, LA: 6/10
My birthplace. The city is teeming with culture and history that spans over 300 years. Most of the touristy parts of the city are pretty walkable, with added street cars. The French Quarter is full of tourists, but fun, and Uptown, and the Marigny is more laid back, truly something for everyone. The food is amazing and having Mardi Gras off is always a bonus. On the flip side, the crime. It’s never been good but since 2020 it’s been really fucking bad. Carjackings and homicide make the nightly news every day. The streets are also always buckled or full of potholes on account of the city being below sea level. Also the city sits in one of the most hurricane vulnerable areas in existence. Katrina displaced us for a year, and every time we’re in the cone for a storm, everyone that remembers Katrina has PTSD flashbacks.
Gulfport/Biloxi, MS: 7.5/10
This is the closest metro area to New Orleans on the gulf. A lot of people from NOLA have beach houses here, especially in Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian. It’s much more laid back than NOLA and everything here revolves around the water: Fishing, boating, sailing, seafood, etc. Biloxi also has the most casinos between Vegas and Atlantic City. Mardi Gras is a thing here too. The beaches on the mainland are alright, (free, parking everywhere). The water is kinda murky, but there are undeveloped barrier islands 10-ish miles offshore that you can get to by ferry or private boat (which most people here have) and the water there rivals Florida’s. Hurricanes are a problem here too. Katrina absolutely fucked this area up, like worse than New Orleans.
Mobile, AL: 4.5/10
Where I go to college. The city is a big port destination. The downtown area is reminiscent of New Orleans but not nearly as cool. They claim to be home to the oldest Mardi Gras Parade, but it’s much more low budget and less fun than NOLA’s. Local cuisine is good. Crime is pretty bad but could be worse. Outside of the downtown core is basic American suburban hell. Terrible traffic, 6 lane roads lined with strip malls, fast food, and storage facilities. The city is not walkable whatsoever. I got hit on my bike here. Pretty good beaches are an hour away in Gulf Shores with a shit ton of touristy things to do.
Jackson, MS 2/10
This city is basically the Detroit of the South. It’s basically New Orleans if you took everything away except crime and rap music. There’s nothing to do here. The city is economically crippled bc all the white flight gravitated investment to the suburbs, which are a world difference from the city itself. You always play Russian roulette when showering, washing dishes, or drinking tap water bc you never know if it’s contaminated. From 2010 to 2020 the city shrunk more than anywhere else in America with a population over 100k. Nothing redeemable about Jackson.
Atlanta, GA: 5/10
I don’t personally like Atlanta as a sports city that much being a Saints fan an everything, but there’s a shit ton of things to do here. Six flags, aquarium, coke world, Stone Mountain, sports games, you name it. The city does not deserve to be called southern though. Nothing about this city is southern. It’s full of northern liberals that know nothing about Georgia outside of their little bubble. There’s also some pretty rough ghettos on the south side of town too. Traffic is abysmal at best, and stuck for days in the snow on the interstate at the worst. It takes 2 hours to cross the city. Atlanta is close to the mountains though, which is pretty nice.
Nashville, TN: 7/10
I haven’t been to Nashville in a while but I can’t remember a bad trip any time I’ve visited. The downtown is pretty hip. If you like country music, this is Mecca for you. The Cumberland River runs right through the heart of the city, which I’ve rowed with my crew team. Nissan Stadium, where the Titans play, is right across the river from Broadway and is connected by a pedestrian bridge. Outside of the city there’s a lot of lakes and low mountains to explore, but it’s being ever encroached by suburban sprawl.
Baton Rouge, LA: 4/10
I lived in BTR for a year after Katrina. The only things to do here revolve around LSU. No disrespect to LSU tho, games in Tiger Stadium are electric. Joe Burrow is basically Jesus here. There’s a crime problem here but not the same level as NOLA. There’s also a lot of chemical plants around, being on the Mississippi River and all. Traffic is really fucking bad since there’s only one bridge crossing the river so it all gets bottlenecked at rush hour. The city is 90 minutes from NOLA if you get too bored, which you will eventually.
I might do more cities outside of the south, idk yet.

Ugh! I'm so frustrated with people who get an idea, and immediately run off half cocked when they have no clue what they're doing. Not even 5 minutes to research, ask advice from people with more info, nothing. I need to vent.
There are two people in my life that do this constantly. They need instant gratification and are never willing to listen when someone suggests just taking a minute to think things through. Normally, their decisions do not affect me, so I try not to stick my nose in unless they ask me for input. Twice this month, though, both of these people made rash decisions that directly affect me, and I am exasperated, to put it mildly.
First was my mom. Even though we live in different states, I'm on a family phone plan with her, and we had been on our current plan for about a year. We really liked it; it was an unlimited plan with great 5g coverage, and I could use mobile hotspot to do my online classes (our home wifi isn't great). I also really liked my phone, which had great battery life and all the features I needed.
Well, my mom decided she didn't like her phone, but instead of trying to upgrade it or get a different phone, she just switched mobile carriers completely out of the blue. I guess she was at Costco and saw a sign for AT&T offering a free phone when you purchase a data plan. She said she thought it was a "sign" (yes, is called advertising, mom), and immediately signed up. I got a phone call from her at 8am asking if I wanted a black phone or a purple phone. I tried to talk her out of it, but she was already dead set and basically wasn't even hearing me. Within 5 minutes of googling, I discovered AT&T doesn't have 5g coverage here, the plan didn't have unlimited data or mobile hotspot, and the free phone she got me has shorter battery life and is much smaller than I prefer. I was very upset, but I didn't get into it with her because she pays for the plan, and it was already done.
PLUS, in order to get the credit for the free phones, you had to send in your old phone to trade in within 30 days. So I couldn't even keep the phone I really liked. Plus, my sibling that is also on the family plan missed the cutoff, and had to pay $800 for the new phone. It was a mess.
That was a walk in the park compared to the second one, though. My children and I live with my sibling (who uses they/them pronouns) right now while I'm going through a divorce and going back to school. I'm eternally grateful to them for letting us stay here, so here's another situation where I don't feel like I can say anything without seeming ungrateful (hence, you bromos get to hear it ;)).
This weekend, my sibling decided that they were getting a new sink and vanity for the bathroom. Ok, cool. I should mention that they are not particularly handy, and had never done this before. So they pulled out the old sink, and found that the hot water valve underneath was stuck. Ok, so we shut off the hot water to the house until they could get the new sink in. However, they had forgotten you also need a faucet. So they ordered it, but it wasn't going to arrive for a few days. This was annoying, but I figured it was no big deal. We could wash our hands and brush our teeth at the kitchen sink 10 feet away for a couple days.
Uh oh. We couldn't turn the hot water back on because the valve under the bathroom sink was stuck, so now we also had no hot water at all until the new faucet came. I was getting frustrated at this point.
AND THEN, when pulling the sink out, my sibling noticed that there was tile underneath the laminate flooring, and decided to rip all the laminate out right then. There was a piece that they couldn't get to behind the toilet, so they decided to MOVE THE TOILET to get it out. The thing is though, they had no idea how a toilet is attached, and didn't think to look it up, or ask me. They didn't empty the water out of it, although thank goodness they shut off the water valve at the base. So, they broke the wax ring and snapped the PVC on the closet flange.
So now we had no sink, no hot water, and no toilet.
I suggested we call a plumber, but they said they could handle it, called in sick to work, and proceeded to make about 10 trips to the hardware store (because they kept getting the wrong things even though I said I would send pictures and measurements or whatever they needed), as I was shuttling kids to Walmart to use the bathroom. Eventually, they were crying with frustration in my arms and finally agreed to call a plumber.
The plumber came, and $500 later, we have hot water and a working toilet. Still no bathroom sink, though.
Like...I get wanting to make your ideas a reality as soon as possible, but can't we just Google for 5 minutes? Or ask the people we might be affecting? Please?
Ooof, if anyone made it this far, thanks for letting me vent. Time for some mindless TV to unwind.

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Disney 4K

Title	Price
Avengers: End Game - MA	$4
Avengers: Infinity War - MA	$4
Black Panther - Vu	$5
Call of the Wild - MA	$5
Cars 3 - iT	$5
Cruella - MA	$5
Doctor Strange - MA	$5.50
Frozen 2 -MA	$4
Good Dinosaur - MA	$5
Guardians of the Galaxy - iT	$5
Inside Out -iT	$4
Iron Man 3 - iT	$4
Lion King (Live) - MA	$4
Thor: Love & Thunder - MA	$5
Toy Story 4 - MA	$5
Turning Red - MA	$5

4K

Title	Price
10 Cloverfield Lane - Vu	$7
3 From Hell - Vu or iT	$4
48 Hours - Vu or iT	$6
American Gangster- MA	$5
American Made- MA	$6
American Psycho - Vu , iT or GP	$5
Another 48 Hours - Vu or iT	$6
Batman - MA	$5
Bram Stoker's Dracula- MA	$5
Bumblebee - Vu or iT	$5
Cabin in the Woods - Vu	$4
Cloverfield - Vu or iT	$6
Collateral - Vu or iT	$5
Crawl - iT or Vu	$5
Criminal - Vu	$5
Deadpool - iT	$3
Dragonslayer - Vu	$5
Dune (2021) - MA	$5
Escape from LA - Vu or iT	$6.75
Fright Night - MA	$5
Godfather - Vu or iT	$5
Godfather Part 2 - Vu or iT	$5
Godfather Part 3 Coda - Vu or iT	$5
Heat - MA	$5
Heavy Metal - MA	$5.50
Highlander - Vu	$5.50
In the Line of Fire - MA	$5.50
Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade - Vu or iT	$5
Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom - Vu or iT	$5
Jurassic Park - MA	$5
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom - MA	$5
King's Man - MA	$7
Last Night in Soho - MA	$5.75
Matrix Resurrections - MA	$6
Poltergeist - MA	$5.50
Pulp Fiction - iT or Vu	$5
Raiders of the Lost Ark - Vu or iT	$5
Red - Vu	$4.50
Red 2 - Vu	$4.50
Reservoir Dogs - iT or Vu	$6
Resident Evil: Welcome to Racoon City - MA	$6.50
Rocky - Vu	$5
Scream - Vu or iT	$5
Shutter Island - Vu	$6
Sicario - Vu or iT	$5
Sicario: Day of the Soldado - MA	$5
Smokin' Aces - MA	$6
Stuber - MA	$5.50
The Hitman's Bodyguard & Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard - Vu	$10
The Lost Boys - MA	$6
The Mummy - iT	$5
The Mummy (Tom Cruise) (2017) - MA	$5
The Protégé - Vu or iT	$5.75
Untouchables - iT or Vu	$6
Wolf of Wall Street - Vu or iT	$5

Disney HD

Title	Price
101 Dalmatians - MA	$4
Age of Ultron - MA	$3
Age of Ultron - GP	$2
Aladdin (2019) - MA	$3
Aladdin (2019) - GP	$2
Aladdin (Robin Williams) - Vu	$4
Avengers: Age of Ulton - Vu	$3
Avengers: Age of Ulton - GP	$2
Avengers: End Game - Vu	$3
Avengers: End Game - GP	$2
Avengers: Infinity War - Vu	$2.50
Avengers: Infinity War - GP	$2
Beauty & the Beast (1991) - Vu	$2
Beauty & the Beast (1991) - GP	$2
Beauty & the Beast:Enchanted Christmas - Vu	$6
Beauty & the Beast:Enchanted Christmas - GP	$4.50
Beauty & the Beast (2017) - MA	$3
Beauty & the Beast (2017) - GP	$2
BFG - Vu	$3
Big Hero 6 - MA	$3
Big Hero 6 - GP	$2
Black Panther - MA	$3.50
Black Panther - GP	$2.50
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - GP	$2.50
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - MA	$4
Black Widow - MA	$4.50
Black Widow - GP	$3
Call of the Wild - Vu	$3
Call of the Wild - MA	$3
Call of the Wild - GP	$2
Captain Marvel - Vu	$3
Captain Marvel - GP	$2
Cars 2 - GP	$3
Cars 3 - MA	$3
Cars 3 - GP	$2
Celebrating Mickey - GP	$3
Cinderella (Live) - MA	$4
Cinderella (Live) - GP	$3
Coco - GP	$2
Cruella - MA	$3
Cruella - GP	$2
Doctor Strange - Vu	$3
Doctor Strange - GP	$2
Doctor Strange 2 - Vu	$4
Doctor Strange 2 - GP	$3
Dumbo (2019) - MA	$4
Dumbo (2019) - GP	$3
Emperor's New Groove - MA	$7
Emperor's New Groove - GP	$6.75
Eternals - GP	$2.50
Finding Dory - MA	$3.50
Finding Dory - GP	$2
Fox and the Hound 2 - GP	$5
Free Guy - Vu	$3
Free Guy - GP	$2
Frozen - MA	$3
Frozen - GP	$2
Frozen 2 - GP	$2
Frozen Sing Along - MA	$3
Frozen Sing Along - GP	$2
Good Dinosaur - MA	$4
Good Dinosaur - GP	$3
Guardians of the Galaxy - GP	$3
Guardians of the Galaxy v2 - GP	$3
Guardians of the Galaxy v2 - Vu	$3
Hercules - Vu	$6.50
Hercules - GP	$5.50
Hocus Pocus - MA	$3
Hocus Pocus - GP	$2
Incredibles 2 - MA	$3
Incredibles 2 - GP	$2
Inside Out - GP	$2
Into the Woods - GP	$2
Iron Man 3 - GP	$2
Jungle Book (Live) (2016) - Vu	$3
Jungle Book (Live) (2016) - GP	$2
Jungle Cruise - MA	$3
Jungle Cruise - GP	$2
Kronk's New Groove - MA	$6.75
Lady & the Tramp - MA	$5
Lady & the Tramp - GP	$4
Lightyear - Vu	$3.50
Lilo & Stitch - MA	$4
Lilo & Stitch - GP	$3.50
Lilo & Stitch 2 - MA	$4
Lion King (Animated) - MA	$4.50
Lion King (Animated) - GP	$3.50
Lion King (Live) - GP	$2
Little Mermaid - MA	$4.50
Little Mermaid - GP	$3.50
Little Mermaid 2 - MA	$7
Little Mermaid 2 - GP	$6.75
Little Mermaid 3 - MA	$7
Lone Ranger - Vu	$4
Lone Ranger - GP	$2
Luca - MA	$3
Luca - GP	$2
Maleficent - MA	$3
Maleficent - GP	$2
Maleficent 2 - GP	$3
Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - MA	$4
Mary Poppins - MA	$3
Mary Poppins - GP	$2.50
Mary Poppins Returns - MA	$4
Mary Poppins Returns - GP	$2.50
Moana - GP	$2
Monsters University - GP	$4.25
Mulan (Live Action) - GP	$2
Mulan II - MA	$5
Mulan II - GP	$4
Nightmare Before Christmas - GP	$3.50
Onward - MA	$3
Onward - GP	$2
Oz the Great and Powerful - MA	$3
Oz the Great and Powerful - GP	$2
Peter Pan - MA	$5
Peter Pan - GP	$4
Pinocchio - GP	$4
Pirate Fairy - MA	$3
Pirate Fairy - GP	$2
POTC: Dead Men Tell No Tales - MA	$3
Planes - MA	$4
Planes - GP	$2
Planes: Fire & Rescue - MA	$4
Planes: Fire & Rescue - GP	$2
Pocahontas - MA	$5
Pocahontas - GP	$4
Pocahontas 2 - MA	$5
Pocahontas 2 - GP	$4
Ralph Breaks the Internet - Vu	$3
Ralph Breaks the Internet - GP	$2
Raya and the Last Dragon - MA	$4
Raya and the Last Dragon - GP	$3
Rescuers - GP	$4
Rescuers Down Under - Vu	$6
Robin Hood - MA	$5
Robin Hood - GP	$3
Rogue One - Vu	$3
Rogue Wars: Star Wars Story - MA	$3
Rogue Wars: Star Wars Story - GP	$2
Ron's Gone Wrong - MA	$3.00
Santa Clause - MA	$4.50
Santa Clause - GP	$3
Santa Clause 2 - MA	$4.50
Santa Clause 2 - GP	$3
Santa Clause 3 - MA	$4.50
Santa Clause 3 - GP	$3
Saving Mr. Banks - MA	$4
Saving Mr. Banks - GP	$3
Sleeping Beauty - MA	$4
Sleeping Beauty - GP	$3
Snow White - GP	$4
Soul - MA	$3
Soul - GP	$2
Spies in Disguise - GP	$2
Star Wars Last Jedi - GP	$2
Star Wars: Force Awakens - MA	$3
Star Wars: Force Awakens - GP	$2
Star Wars: Last Jedi - MA	$3
Star Wars: Last Jedi - GP	$2
Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker - MA	$4
Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker - GP	$3
Star Wars: Rogue One - MA	$3
Star Wars: Rogue One - GP	$2
Super Buddies - MA	$3
Super Buddies - GP	$2
Sword in the Stone - MA	$5
Tangled - MA	$5
Tangled - GP	$4.50
Thor: Dark World, The - MA	$3
Thor: Dark World, The - GP	$2
Thor: Love & Thunder - MA	$4
Thor: Love & Thunder - GP	$3
Thor: Ragnarok - MA	$3
Thor: Ragnarok - GP	$2
Tomorrowland - MA	$3
Tomorrowland - GP	$2
Toy Story 3 - GP	$3
Toy Story 4 - GP	$3
Toy Story: That Time Forgot - MA	$5
Toy Story: That Time Forgot - GP	$4.50
Turning Red - GP	$3
West Side Story - Vu	$2
West Side Story - GP	$1.50
Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo - MA	$4.50
Zootopia - MA	$4
Zootopia - GP	$3

HD

Title	Price
13 Hours Secret Soldiers - Vu	$2
A Madea Christmas - Vu	$1.50
A Quiet Place - Vu or iT	$3
Boss Baby - Vu	$2
Bourne Legacy - MA or iT	$0.75
Bring it on World CheerSmack - MA or iT	$0.50
Croods - MA or iT	$3
Deadpool - MA	$1.50
Despicable Me 2 - MA	$2
How The Grinch Stole Christmas - MA	$3
E.T. - Vu or iT	$4
Edward Scissorhands - MA	$3
Emoji Movie - Vu	$2
Extreme Prejudice - Vu or iT	$4.50
Fast & Furious 6 - MA	$2
Fast & the Furious - Vu	$2
Frozen Ground - Vu	$2
Furious 7 - Vu or iT	$3
Fury - MA	$2.50
Heavy Metal 2000 - MA	$6.50
Hell or High Water - Vu	$5
Hitchcock - Vu	$2
House with a Clock in its Walls (2018) - MA	$4
How to Train Your Dragon 2 - MA	$3
Hugo - Vu	$2
Hugo - iT	$2
Independence Day: Resurgence - MA	$2
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back - Vu or iT	$2
Jarhead 3: The Siege - MA	$2
Jigsaw - Vu	$3
Jurassic World - Vu	$3
King of Staten Island - MA	$4
Kingsman: Golden Circle - MA	$2
La La Land - Vu	$2
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Vu	$2
Mission Impossible Fallout - iT	$2
Mummy Tomb of the Dragon - MA	$3
Neighbors - iT	$2
Norm of the North - Vu	$2
Now You See Me - Vu	$2
Power Rangers - iT	$2
Resident Evil: Retribution - MA	$5.50
Rogue - Vu	$2
Schindler's List - Vu	$4
Secret Life of Pets - MA or iT	$2
Selma - Vu or iT	$3
Show Dogs (2018) - MA	$3
Sing - MA or iT	$2
Sinister - iT	$2
Snow White & the Huntsman - MA	$1
Split - MA	$3
Star Trek Beyond - Vu or iT	$3
Star Trek: Into Darkness - Vu or iT	$1
Super Troopers 2 - MA	$4
Superfly - MA	$3
Taken 2 - MA	$3
Terminator Dark Fate - Vu or iT	$2
The Bad News Bears (1976) - Vu	$4
The Purge - MA	$3
The Women in Black - MA	$2
TMNT - Vu	$1.50
TMNT Out of the Shadows - iT	$2
Transformers: Age of Extinction - Vu	$1.50
Trolls - MA	$2
Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 - Vu	$1
Tyler Perry's Temptation - Vu	$2
Tyler Perry's Witness Protection - Vu	$1.50
Venom - MA	$3
War for the Planet of the Apes - Vu	$2
Wind River - Vu or iT	$5

SD

Title	Price
21 Jump Street - MA	$1
Adventures of TinTin - Vu or iT	$1
Amazing Spider-Man - MA	$0.50
Annie - MA	$0.75
Concussion - MA	$0.50
Divergent - Vu	$0.50
Equalizer - MA	$1
G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra - iT	$1.50
Here Comes The Boom - MA	$1
Hugo - Vu or iT	$0.75
Justin Bieber Never Say Never - iT	$1.50
Miss Bala - MA	$3
Safe - iT	$0.50
Star Trek: Into Darkness - iT	$0.50
Star Trek: Into Darkness - Vu	$0.50
The Last Stand - iT	$0.50
The Last Witch Hunter - Vu	$1
The Smurfs 2 - MA	$1
The Spectacular Now - Vu	$1
Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 - Vu	$0.50
Warm Bodies - Vu, iT or GP	$0.50
X-Men: Wolverine - iT	$1

His dad read in a magazine that the greenest lawns need to be watered first thing and so the sprinklers were programmed to come on very early. Carl woke to their patter and to the smell of wet grass and May blossom. Looking down, a slice of dawn light crossed the middle of the bed and he watched as strands of dust drifted through it, their spiralling, jerky motions briefly visible before they vanished into the airy space of the room on either side. At some point, he drifted back to sleep.
​
In the houses around him, forty or so others lay in their beds, dreaming dreams which, if you could have seen them, would have blended into a heady mix of hope and fear that hovered just above the various Groves, Avenues and Closes that made up Sunningdale. The cloud was as real, somehow, as the birdsong flitting between the trees and the mist creeping back down the streets to the sea. Within it, promises of new lives and new lovers blended with unseen foes and inexorable catastrophes. Some confronted deeply hidden parts of themselves, manifest as dead relatives, impossible landscapes, bizarre tasks and strange entities with shifting identities. Others dreamt of nothing at all, and contributed only black streaks to the otherwise iridescent, billowing cloud.
​
For his part, Carl was dreaming he was ten years younger, learning to ride his bike. His mum was running behind him holding on to the back of the seat, giving him time to find his balance while his legs built up enough momentum to keep him upright. Then he was doing it – he was riding and it was exhilarating: a blur of light and colour and rushing air. And then, all of a sudden, he wasn’t. He was awake.
​
“Morning, dingus,” came a voice with a hint of amusement. Carl blinked his eyes open and stared at the boy outside the window. His hair swirled and danced in the breeze, seemingly possessing a life of its own. The boy smiled with his eyes and nodded toward a corner of the room. Carl followed the nod and saw a cricket ball sitting against the skirting board. “Lucky your window was open. Pass it back?” Carl looked again at the boy, still half asleep. The boy began to roll his hands with mock impatience: “You deaf or something?”
​
Cautiously – without a word – Carl pushed off the duvet, swung his legs over the side of the bed and dropped his feet to the carpet. He went to the corner, picked up the ball and walked it back to the window. He held it out and saw the black squiggles curving around its surface. “Who signed it?”, Carl asked. The boy didn’t answer. Instead, he grabbed the ball and ran across the lawn, disappearing into the hedges at the bottom of the garden. Carl stayed at the window for a moment. As he stood, cool, salty air flowed past him into the room. The sprinklers pattered away.
​
-----------------------------------
​
The houses stood in a row like colourful blocks. Behind them, a warren of overgrown bowers and hedgerows linked the gardens to each other; in front of them, the sweeping asphalt connected each to the next, then to the clusters close by, then to the town, to the city and eventually to the whole, wild, open country beyond. It was in the eddies at the very end of a minor rivulet of this enormous network the Mrs Friedman now stood. She began to move, eyeing each house closely as she passed by.
​
The older she got, the more her tight face struggled to conceal the mass of jealousies, slights and conflicts amassed behind it. And so, some of that bile would occasionally overflow back into the world, escaping her thin lips as a pointed whisper or, sometimes, even a direct attack – which is what happened next.
​
“Have you eyes?” Her frail voice floated down the drive, weakening with every inch travelled. It was almost imperceptible by the time it reached Mr Fuller’s ears. It was, however, just enough to make him stand up and turn around. Seeing her, he smiled and began walking toward her, wiping his palm on a rag and setting up to shake hands.
​
“Hi there and good morning”, he said, “I’m Paul Fuller – new to the neighbourhood and it’s very nice to meet you.”
​
She stared at his outstretched hand and remained perfectly still, her white knuckles wrapped around the Zimmer frame. The man’s pleasant demeanour confounded her – as had his claim that he was new to the area (that the house had been for sale was news to her). But, after a moment’s stasis, she managed to brush all this away and gesture weakly toward the drive. She asked again, “have you eyes?”
​
“Excuse me, madam?”, Paul replied.
​
“Your weeds”, she said, raising her eyebrows to indicate the displeasure she felt at having to repeat herself.
​
Paul scratched the back of his head and looked at the little green shoots that were just starting to peep through the cracks in the paving stones.
​
“I’m almost waist deep in them.”
​
“Oh. We’ve just moved in.” Paul said defensively. “In fact, we’re actually still moving in”. He pointed to the delivery van parked on the drive. “But, well – I’ll get the weeds cleaned up just as soon as I can, madam.”
​
“Good”, she said, resuming her slow shuffle down the street.
​
-----------------------------------
​
Mrs Alleman’s hands burned pink in the washing up bowl. She’d read somewhere that, for every additional degree she could tolerate, another species of germ would be eliminated. Since then, increasing the temperature of the water had become something of a challenge. She enjoyed the sharp tingle she felt as she pushed it up a little more each day, and she believed she was now approaching what was possible for a human hand to endure. Her vindication came on the rare occasions when her husband or a friend got splashed dropping in a bowl or plate, or when they tried to fish out a piece of cutlery or a utensil, and jumped back in utter shock. “The hotter it is, the cleaner it is”, she’d sing, voicing the mantra that so often cycled in her mind.
​
Through the steam and the droplets running down the glass, she could just about see her husband talking to their new neighbour – or rather, the neighbour was talking to him. Even from across the road, her husband’s discomfort was apparent, revealing itself in his demure, slouching gait and the way he kept glancing back at the house as though worried it would vanish and leave him stranded on this earnest stranger’s lawn. Left to his own devices, she knew, it would have taken him weeks or months to introduce himself – and, even then, it would only have happened thanks to some chance encounter at the grocery store or in the park, or in some other communal space, and only if initiated by the other party.
​
Even now, his awkwardness endeared her – as it always had done. Though, something about her husband’s vacant face as he stared over this stranger’s shoulder, elicited something else – something that was getting a little more familiar these days: a smidge of annoyance, perhaps. She pushed it away, reminding herself of all the things he did for her and for their family. She sighed, pulled her hands from the blistering water and dried them off.
​
“Hi there”, she shouted as she crossed the road, waving with one hand and using the other to shield her eyes. “Welcome to Sunningdale. We’re so glad to see someone finally move in to this beautiful house. Mr and Mrs Cartwright only put in on the market on account of her mother’s – his mother in-law’s – health, bless her, which took a real turn last year. Cancer! I know. I mean, absolutely the last thing she needed. Her husband, Mrs Cartwright’s father – Mr Cartwright’s father-in-law – died last Christmas, sadly. Yes, on Christmas day itself, which they say is a very common day to die. I’m not sure why. Something to do with being surrounded with family? Maybe. Who knows? Anyway, the only reason they moved is to be closer to her in what will most probably be her final year. They were completed devastated to lose the house, of course – their home for over twenty years. But they needed to downsize, anyway. Two birds and all that. You won’t believe it, but I actually remember seeing him carry her over the threshold. And haven’t they kept it lovely? I suppose that’s one of the reasons you bought it – gosh, yes, they really did keep it lovely, didn’t they? And is there a Mrs…”
​
“Fuller”, Paul answered, “And no, sadly there’s not. There used to be. But she died – three years ago. Not on Christmas day. But of cancer. Absolutely the last thing we needed.”
​
Mrs Alleman’s face dropped. “Oh, gosh – I’m so sorry. How cack-handed of me.”
​
With a smile, Paul revealed the ease with which he could talk about his wife’s death, which was a relief to the Alleman’s in that moment, but which would cause both of them some disquiet as they lay in their beds that night