Afternoon Saturday, February 24th, 2024 Lyrou saw in her refrigerator a gradual invasion of protein powders and supplements. They’d gone from occupying a corner to taking up an entire shelf, and then smaller bottles were materializing in the door. Her eggs were vanishing, also. She went to find Garin in the basement, as had become the norm, working out. He didn’t greet her; he was gasping and sweating his way through a se...

Afternoon Saturday, February 10th, 2024 Garin and Lyrou walked together through a yellowed and browned park that turned into a biking trail. As their breaths fogged the air, he talked about the news, a politician he saw promise in. “She’s not bought. She can really fix the runaway deficit spending, roll back regulations, and not make the perfect the enemy of the good on infrastructure projects. And she’s a combat veteran...

Morning Sunday, December 3rd, 2023 Lyrou waited outside the apartment building in Grantwood, holding her umbrella. Tom arrived, and she jumped in beside him. Her expression was blank, and though she had much to say, she didn’t say it yet. Tom had her texts to go by, but he would let it come out when she was ready. “I’m meeting a kid and his coach about taking him on for training after lunch. You’re welcome to be there.” L...