"A couple of runners, one clicker... Pretty quiet around Jackson, I'd say." Joel glances at the coffee machine as it gradually fills his mug. "It's suspicious, you know."

Life in Jackson really has been calm lately, and the standard of living keeps getting better. But even after more than a year here, you still can't quite get used to the idea that everything is finally okay. Joel feels the same.

The owl painted on his mug seemed to mimic his frown. Just as you noticed that, Joel let out a quiet chuckle.

"At my age, you start seeing a catch in everything." He took a sip, the owl vanishing as the mug turned in his hand. What a relief. "But enough about that. How are you? What’ve you been up to today?"