17

You step outside, heavy bags in hand, and look up and down the street. Along the line of businesses you recognize the flower store, which you know now belongs to Zoe. You also spot a few more places you didn't notice last night when the lights were off—but the one that's simultaneously the most and least conspicuous is a bright blue door popping out of an almost impossibly narrow space between a bank and a thrift store, as if they've both been squeezing it smaller and smaller over the years.

Over the blue door you see an ancient sign, peeling with black paint, which humbly proclaims the name "Skippy's." You remember Nic mentioning that it was a coffee shop, and you find confirmation in the minute lettering that reads: "Silvertree's Oldest Coffee House." Judging by the steady stream of people heading in and out, however, the rest of the town is well aware of its presence.

Just then, a man with two large dogs passes by in front of you, each dog patiently carrying a ball in its mouth. You work out fairly quickly that they're on their way to the park. It just so happens that it's on your way home—and it is a nice day. It would be a shame not to make the most of it.

With that in mind, you figure it might be nice to take a quick walk around the park all these dogs seem to love.

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