Chapter 35
Chapter 35 — The Shed
Alex wakes early Sunday and goes to Jodie's cabin to talk about the shed situation before starting the build. Jodie is resistant at first but eventually tells him she doesn't want her mother knowing she's at the commune — she wants her mother to see her when she's ready. Alex offers to build the shed without revealing where he lives. Jodie warns him that Linda Carr is perceptive and nosy. Alex drives to the site to assess the land and materials. He calls Gene for advice on footing and foundation. On Monday he begins framing the shed, and Linda Carr comes out to watch. She's friendly, talkative, and asks questions that feel casual but carry weight. She mentions Jodie without naming her — references a daughter who moved away. Alex navigates the conversation carefully. Back at the commune that evening, Chloe finds him at the workshop and asks about the shed. Ruth returns from her date with Gene and is glowing. Alex checks his phone and finds a text from Maya — a photo of Portland at night. He also finds a missed call from a number he doesn't recognize. He doesn't call back. Eleanor finds him on the path and tells him she's moved her departure up to five days.
Alex woke at five. The pine knot was still there. The ceiling hadn't changed. The light through the curtain was gray, pre-dawn, the kind that doesn't commit.
He sat up. His phone was on the nightstand where he'd left it. The notification light blinked. He ignored it.
He put on jeans and a t-shirt. He laced his boots. He walked outside.
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