Chapter 37
Chapter 37 — Chicks and Plans
Alex wakes early and drives to Linda Carr's property to finish the shed, completing the siding and trim by early afternoon. Linda inspects the work and pays him. Before leaving town, Kristen and Karen text him asking to pick up goat supplements from the feed store. At Gillespie Feed and Supply, Alex discovers baby chicks for sale and gets the idea to build a chicken coop for the commune. He buys the supplements and drives back. He talks to JJ first about the chicken coop and a potential farm stand to sell eggs, vegetables, and other goods in town. JJ is receptive and tells him to pitch the idea to the others at dinner. He does. The response is mixed but mostly positive. Ruth and Gene offer practical advice. Alex texts Eleanor to confirm their creek meeting for the evening.
Alex woke before the alarm. He didn't need it anymore. His body had learned the rhythm of the summer — up at five, coffee by five-fifteen, out the door by six. He lay in bed for a minute. The dark was starting to thin at the edges. He could see the shape of the pine knot on the wall. He looked at it. He didn't look away.
He made coffee in the kitchen. Nobody else was up. The commune was quiet the way it was before the day started — no voices, no footsteps on the paths, just the creek and the birds that didn't care about schedules. He drank his coffee standing at the counter. He ate a piece of bread with peanut butter. He thought about the shed.
Half a day. That's what was left. The siding on the north wall, the trim around the door, and the fascia boards. He had the nails. He had the saw. He had the level. He didn't need Gene for this part. He knew how it went now.
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