#Donnelly Public Library

[archivlibrarianist]

The layout on the page makes me uneasy, so full text of the article under the jump.

Published: 12:09 PM MDT May 20, 2024

Updated: 3:26 PM MDT May 20, 2024

"BOISE, Idaho — The Donnelly Public Library announced it will become an adults-only library and says House Bill 710 is responsible.

"'Donnelly Public Library was deeply saddened by the passing of HB710,' a new release stated. 'Unfortunately, the ambiguous language in the legislation leaves us no options but to make some very drastic changes.'

"Sherry Scheline, the library director, told KTVB that the building will become an adult-only library, but children will be allowed in if they are accompanied by a 'signing adult.'

"In a statement, officials with the library said because of its size, it can't comply with the new law and create an adult section out of children's range. The library is 1024 square feet, a tenth of the size of the state's average library, which is 10,552 square feet.

"'This change is painful and not what we had hoped for at all,' officials stated. 'We desire to comply with state and federal legislation, but because of size, we have to protect our staff, our library, and our taxpayer money.'

"Library officials said that despite the 'saddened news,' they will continue their after-school programming and summer learning. 

"'After-school programming has become an essential part of the Library,' officials stated. 'It is our primary source of funding through both grants as well as tuition monies paid by participants.  It is imperative we continue to grow our programming offerings.'

"Officials said students participating in their programming will be able to sign a waiver allowing librarians to curate learning material for them. 

"The Donnelly Public Library encouraged the public to donate to the Donnelly Public Library Building Fund, a multi-year effort to expand the building. Without the expansion, the building will remain an adult-only library."

[detroitlib]

Detail of book ornament in bronze pilaster designed by John Donnelly, Jr. in the Detroit Public Library

[swantonlibraryteens]

December book club books are out!

Grades 5-8: Beastkeeper by Cat Hellisen. “Sarah has always been on the move. Her mother hates the cold, so every few months her parents pack their bags and drag her off after the sun. She's grown up lonely and longing for magic. She doesn't know that it's magic her parents are running from. When Sarah's mother walks out on their family, all the strange old magic they have tried to hide from comes rising into their mundane world. Her father begins to change into something wild and beastly, but before his transformation is complete, he takes Sarah to her grandparents — people she has never met, didn't even know were still alive. Deep in the forest, in a crumbling ruin of a castle, Sarah begins to untangle the layers of curses affecting her family bloodlines, until she discovers that the curse has carried over to her, too. The day she falls in love for the first time, Sarah will transform into a beast . . . unless she can figure out a way to break the curse forever.”

Grades 9-12: Poisoned by Jennifer Donnelly. “Once upon a time, a girl named Sophie rode into the forest with the queen's huntsman. Her lips were the color of ripe cherries, her skin as soft as new-fallen snow, her hair as dark as midnight. When they stopped to rest, the huntsman pulled out his knife... and took Sophie's heart. It shouldn't have come as a surprise. Sophie had heard the rumors, the whispers. They said she was too kind and foolish to rule — a waste of a princess. A disaster of a future queen. And Sophie believed them… With the help of seven mysterious strangers, Sophie manages to survive. But when she realizes that the jealous queen might not be to blame, Sophie must find the courage to face an even more terrifying enemy, proving that even the darkest magic can't extinguish the fire burning inside every girl, and that kindness is the ultimate form of strength.

[gumnut-logic]

This is horrifying.

This is where it all begins. Knowledge is power and those who want it for themselves will subjugate everyone else by restricting their access to that knowledge.

Libraries are crucial early literacy centres for EVERYBODY. Education starts here! EVERYONE HAS A RIGHT TO EDUCATION.

And anyone who claims otherwise has a self-serving agenda of their own.

It’s not about the children, it’s about power.

[gravity-rainbow]

“We do not want to lose our jobs because we disagree with the public about ‘literary merit,’” said Cora Irelan, a Moscow High School English teacher. “Thus, we are left only with the option of not teaching most of what is in our curriculum. Our students will not be exposed to ancient Greek and Roman epics, nor to Shakespeare, nor even to Mark Twain.”

[alexseanchai]

I mean, yes, but also:

this library is among those now legally required to physically separate books that aren't allowed in children-accessible collections from books that are, which this library cannot do without moving to a bigger building and cannot challenge without an attorney on retainer, so they are doing a malicious compliance by banning minors from the premises except when escorted by their parent

yall DO realize that when tags on ao3 are like "abusive relationships" "homophobia" "racism" "consent issues/r*pe" they are there to protect you, right? you do realize that those tags being there lets you know that an author RECOGNIZES when something is wrong and is explicitly tagging that because it's a story that discusses those things right? you do realize that the author is not *shudders* condoning those things, right?

[clexa--warrior]

Authors Against Book Bans single out a shocking line from early in Project 2025’s manifesto:

“Pornography, manifested today in the omnipresent propagation of transgender ideology and sexualization of children…has no claim to First Amendment protection. Its purveyors are child predators and misogynistic exploiters of women.”

And breaks down what this would mean in practice:

“Translation: All LGBTQ+ content will be regarded as pornography. This is already the pernicious lie being used to ban books all over the nation. First Amendment rights will not apply, meaning we will no longer have freedom of speech to protect us.”

When reached by Lit Hub for comment over the summer, Tokuda-Hall, on behalf of Authors Against Book Bans, expanded on the implications of these proposals, and how the agenda underlying them is already being rolled out:

Project 2025 is the single most expansive, extreme attack on our freedom to read that we’ve seen with ambition for federal government implementation. It follows much of the playbook already established by the right wing extremists who seek book bans; it removes the publishers, teachers and librarians who are subject matter experts in child literacy from the equation, not only denigrating them as pedophiles and groomers but also calling for their imprisonment and registry as sex offenders.

It flattens all queer art into the nebulous category of “pornography,” which at this point is well known code used to mask the flagrant transphobia and homophobia required to ban these books.

And not only does it do that, it calls for all creators of that art to be imprisoned, aligning our work with the addictive and malignant social force of illicit drugs.

As if all that were not bad enough, it also invokes the right wing boogey man of critical race theory, a brilliant lens for understanding law coined by Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw, as a justification for pulling all federal funding from any institution that teaches American history in a way that extremists dislike, and will lead to the continued banning of BIPOC stories from all of our public institutions of learning. That How to Be An Antiracist is the kind of book so frequently banned under this line of argument should be both no surprise and also instructive.

Authors Against Book Bans is committed to fighting against the forces that would rob us of our freedom to read. Project 2025 outlines an aggressive, unconscionable attack on that freedom. This is the land of the free. And we intend to read (and write) that way.

It is also worth noting that if there are readers who believe this is a far off, distant possibility, we already have state level legislation that is setting the groundwork of precedence. Idaho passed HB 710 in Spring of 2024, which removed librarians from the process of vetting content for libraries and made all public libraries financially liable for any book any person (whether they held a library card or not, or were a resident or not) finds objectionable for children. As a result, the public library in Donnelly, ID became adults only on July 1st of this year. The public library in Twin Falls, ID put up a sign requiring parents to sign an affidavit every time their child wanted to enter the library. Because that legislation passed in Idaho, nearly identical legislation has been introduced in Ohio. In Huntington Beach, CA, the public library had to remove every single book from board books to young adult to be audited for “pornography.” There was no porn there. Librarians and publishers have been seeing to that for years. But that has not stopped extremists from peddling this painful and dangerous lie.

Book bans do not protect children. They just rob Americans of the freedom to read.

Readers, writers, and anyone who believes in freedom of expression or art, should be worried Project 2025’s incendiary plans for books.

[ogdensburgpubliclibrary]

Thank you to the individual(s) who donated these to the Ogdensburg Public Library! Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar Childcraft Construction Paper, 9 x 12 Inches, Black, 500 Sheets Plague-Busters!: Medicine's Battles with History's Deadliest Diseases by Lindsey Fitzharris (Author), Adrian Teal (Author, Illustrator) The Last Unexplored Place on Earth: Investigating the Ocean Floor with Alvin the Submersible by Aly Brown Squirrel Has Trouble Saying No (Raccoon and Friends) by Susanna Isern (Author), Leire Salaberria (Illustrator) Gorilla Tough & Clear Double Sided Adhesive Mounting Tape; Extra Large; 1" x 150" Mission: Arctic: A Scientific Adventure to a Changing North Pole by Katharina Weiss-Tuider (Author), Christian Schneider (Illustrator), Shelley Tanaka (Translator) Men of the 65th: The Borinqueneers of the Korean War by Talia Aikens-Nuñez (Author) Total Garbage: A Messy Dive into Trash, Waste, and Our World by Rebecca Donnelly (Author), John Hendrix (Illustrator)

If you would like to join in the giving please go to: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/5IC3TRMR1ALN?ref_=wl_share

[itsmeutsav95]

A Day in the Life of a Turlock Resident in California.

Nestled in the heart of California's Central Valley, Turlock is a city that harmonizes the charm of small-town living with the vibrancy of a growing urban center. With a population of around 74,000, Turlock offers a unique blend of agricultural heritage, educational opportunities, and community spirit. Here’s a glimpse into a typical day in the life of a Turlock resident in California.

Morning: Starting the Day Right

For many Turlock residents, the day begins early. By 6:00 AM, the city is slowly coming to life. The morning air is crisp, especially during the spring and fall, making it perfect for a jog or a leisurely walk through one of Turlock’s numerous parks. Donnelly Park, with its picturesque lake and well-maintained trails, is a popular spot for morning exercise.

Breakfast might include a visit to a local favorite like Olde Tyme Pastries, where the aroma of freshly baked goods entices early risers. Alternatively, some residents prefer to enjoy their first meal of the day at home, savoring local produce. Turlock is surrounded by fertile farmland, so fresh fruits and vegetables are always in abundance.

Mid-Morning: Work and Education

As the morning progresses, the city’s schools and businesses are bustling with activity. Turlock is home to California State University, Stanislaus (CSU Stanislaus), which attracts students and educators from all over. The university is a hub of learning and cultural events, contributing significantly to the city’s dynamic atmosphere.

For those not involved in academia, Turlock’s economy offers a mix of opportunities. Agriculture remains a cornerstone, with many residents working on farms or in related industries. There’s also a growing healthcare sector, anchored by Emanuel Medical Center, providing employment and essential services to the community.

Lunch: Community and Connection

Lunchtime in Turlock is often a chance to catch up with friends and colleagues. Downtown Turlock is lined with an array of restaurants and cafes. The charming main street features eateries like Bistro 234 and La Mo Café, offering everything from gourmet sandwiches to international cuisine. These establishments are more than just places to eat; they’re community gathering spots where residents exchange stories and ideas.

Afternoon: Leisure and Errands

The afternoon is a time for running errands or enjoying leisure activities. Turlock has a variety of shopping options, from big-box stores to boutique shops. Monte Vista Crossings is a popular shopping center, providing everything from fashion to electronics.

For those looking to relax, the Turlock Public Library offers a quiet retreat with a wide selection of books and community programs. Alternatively, the Carnegie Arts Center provides a cultural escape with its rotating exhibits and art classes.

Evening: Family and Recreation

As the sun begins to set, Turlock’s residents wind down their day with family and recreational activities. Many families gather for dinner at home, taking advantage of the region’s fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For those dining out, restaurants like Villa Napoli and Dust Bowl Brewing Co. offer delightful evening experiences with diverse menus and welcoming atmospheres.

Recreational activities are plentiful in Turlock. The Pedretti Park Sports Complex hosts various sports leagues, offering something for everyone, from softball to soccer. For a more laid-back evening, a stroll through one of Turlock’s many neighborhoods, where neighbors greet each other with friendly waves, reflects the city’s tight-knit community spirit.

Night: Reflection and Rest

As the day draws to a close, Turlock’s residents prepare for the night. The city quiets down, and the stars become visible in the clear Central Valley sky. Many take this time for personal reflection or family bonding, perhaps watching a movie or enjoying a quiet moment on the porch.

In Turlock, each day is a blend of hard work, community engagement, and the simple pleasures of life. It’s a place where the past and present coexist harmoniously, creating a lifestyle that is both enriching and fulfilling. Whether it’s the friendly faces, the beautiful landscapes, or the sense of belonging, life in Turlock is truly special.

[macwantspeace]

Book Burning Intensifies Before I get into copy/pasting lines...that's such a cute building. The log cabin in the country. Back to lines. "HB 710 requires public and school libraries to have a form available that anyone may use to request that a material be moved to an adults-only section if they think it includes sexual content that is “harmful to minors,” which is defined in Idaho’s obscenity code." National busybodies have a list of books that say Queer. [Or, gasp, Black.] They astroturf libraries with complaints about that list. So about moving to that Adults Only Section [I wonder if I qualify?]. "the library said because of its size, it can't comply with the new law and create an adult section out of children's range. The library is 1,024 square feet" So henceforth and hereafter.... "The Donnelly Public Library announced it will become an adults-only library" [but a child can come in accompanied by an adult who must sign the list]

[bammalou]

An Idaho Public Library Will Become Adults-Only July 1, 2024

https://bookriot.com/donnelly-public-library-adults-only/

[intothestacks]

Oh, it gets worse.

At least one Idaho public library is now having to ban kids from entering:

Donnelly Public Library in the small town of Donnelly, Idaho, announced in May it was being forced to make the change due to a new state law. Among other restrictions, the new law requires Idaho public libraries to have adults-only sections out of children’s range. Donnelly’s library is physically too small to make that possible. And so to avoid being sued or, worse, close down entirely, the tiny library put up a sign restricting everyone under the age of 18 from entry. Kids can still go into the library, but only if they are with an adult or have explicit written permission in advance from an adult.

Abigayl Martin, a BYU-Idaho alumna and writer who has been following the bill’s history the past few years, explained how last year a version of the law passed the House and the Senate but was vetoed by Governor Brad Little due to dangerously vague language and enforcement concerns.

For example, containing sexual conduct is one of the grounds for requiring a book to be relocated; however, in House Bill 710, part of the definition of sexual conduct includes anything “homosexual.”

“Say there was a book with a gay main character or trans main character or something like that,” Martin said. “That could very likely be, even if there was nothing else, you know, no sex, no anything else, no language, just that the main character, you know, was gay or trans. And then that will be reason enough to ban a book, which is kind of terrifying, if you asked me.“

[detroitlib]

View of man examining bas-relief on brass entrance doors at the Main Library, Detroit Public Library. Doors were designed by John Donnelly.

Courtesy of the Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library

[harrietmjones]

Jenny Joyce: Durham

Jenny Joyce perfectly encapsulates what it is to be a Durham university student, with her easy access to a trust fund and unwavering superiority complex giving major ex private schooler energy no matter how hard she tries to deny it.

Though Jenny may try, she unfortunately isn’t quite up to par with the Oxbridge students, perfectly rendering her to the notorious Oxbridge Reject title that has haunted Durham students for decades.

Erin: Nottingham

Erin’s main-character energy and impeccable people-watching skills perfectly situate her in the campus uni that is Nottingham. Constantly surrounded by rugby boys and goss, Erin’s favourite past times would include frequently updating her diary, going slightly overboard on the £1 tequila shots at Ocean Wednesdays and causing absolute havoc at a concerning number of Lenton house parties.

Michelle: Leeds

From her scarily chaotic energy and lack of filter, to her inability to recognise when getting absolutely paralytic doesn’t quite fit the vibe, Michelle is the starter pack Leeds student who would be found drinking to her hearts content in Hyde Park at the drop of a hat. Here for a good time not a long time, uni lecturers are nothing but a distant memory.

Aunt Sarah: Newcastle

The Newcastle nightlife would be Aunt Sarah’s dream. Getting dressed up in a PLT mini-dress and heels, ready to hit up Slug & Lettuce and Insta boomerang her pornstar martini to her heart’s content, she’d slot right into the Geordie lifestyle in no time.

Gerry: York

A simple, unproblematic king, Gerry just wants to be somewhere peaceful and remain entirely undisturbed (especially by Grandpa Joe), thus making the picturesque, quiet and ultimately uneventful town of York a perfect spot.

Claire: Exeter

Perfectly suited to the ease of a campus uni (god forbid she has to navigate a public-transport system or walk a city’s streets alone at night), Claire would undoubtedly make herself a permanent resident at the 24/7 library, downing 50 cans of energy drinks to keep her going as she embarks on her weekly essay crisis and inevitable panic-induced existential breakdown.

James: Edinburgh

James’ simple inability to interact with the female species means Edinburgh’s 63 per cent female population would be a perfect fit. He’s no stranger to a bit of harsh English criticism, making the occasional snide remark or critique by the Scots all part of a day’s work, whilst the over-bearing Englishness and rah energy of Pollock are ideal.

Sister Michael: Cambridge

Let’s be honest, no uni is really up to the high standards of Sister Michael, but the number one top UK university will have to do. Completely unbothered by the Oxford vs Cambridge divide or the annual boat race, you’ll find her in the chapel completely engrossed in her favourite book, The Exorcist.

David Donnelly: Loughborough

Mysterious and aloof, David Donnelly could only really end up as somewhere as irrelevant and unexciting as Loughborough. Only making it into about three scenes across both season one and two combined, he’d certainly be unlikely to want a uni of rich nightlife or culture, making Loughborough’s one nightclub the perfect fit.

Orla: Bath

Her absolutely iconic talent show sport-esque performance and overly-energetic presence means the sporty uni of Bath would suit Orla perfectly. She’d be found strutting the streets of Bath in leg-warmers and vibrant jackets that would be enough to scare anyone from a mile off.

Dennis: Warwick

Sick and tired of everyone and simply at uni to get a degree and nothing else, Dennis would thrive at a uni as quiet and deserted as Warwick. Simply migrating to and from the library and nothing else, he’d be an absolute nightmare to end up in a Zoom break out room with due to his seeming inability to engage in a conversation lasting any longer than 20 seconds.

Ma Marry: Sussex

Incapable of dealing with drama or stress, Ma Mary seems more suited to the more simple uni life, making the coastal uni town of Brighton with its picturesque streets and calming sea air an ideal spot.

However, her new-found love of learning would inevitably render her a library prisoner as she, like us all, enters into the warzone battlefield of attempting to find a seat in exam season.

[truth-has-a-liberal-bias]

In what has become an unfortunate and increasing reality in America, a public library in Idaho will be restricting their entire facility to those 18 and older beginning July 1, 2024. Donnelly Public Library is unable to comply with the state’s newly-passed House Bill 710 (HB 710) due to the tiny size of their facility, their small budget, and their lack of an attorney on retainer to handle potential litigation.

HB 710 allows parents or guardians to lodge complaints against materials they deem inappropriate for minors. Once a complaint has been filed, public and school libraries have a total of 60 days to relocate the material to a section that is only accessible to adults. If they do not comply, those parents or guardians can receive $250 in statutory damages, alongside other financial relief for damages. [...]

[serenasoutherlyns]

Full of Surprises, Chapter 4

Maybe, Casey found herself thinking (and she had most days since it happened), the suspension was doing her more good than harm. Maybe it was Liz Donnelly trying to make her calm the hell down.

For three years.

AO3

A/N: Hi! Sorry this one is a bit short, I wrote it mostly in a car and on vacation, and I felt like I'd neglected these ladies too long. Working on three long fics and my novel at once, why do I do this to myself? I hope you all like this one!

Casey showered as fast as she possibly could, having realized that despite their apartments’ proximity to one another, 30 minutes was definitely too little time. Oh well. That’s always been Casey’s way, doing things too quickly, in a rush, not on time.

Maybe, Casey found herself thinking (and she had most days since it happened), the suspension was doing her more good than harm. Maybe it was Liz Donnelly (and Lena Petrovsky, though, Lena never cared about her like Liz did) trying to make her calm the hell down.

For three years.

Oh well.

Casey felt good, felt great even. She was not only excited to go out to breakfast with this beautiful, newly brunette (Casey thought brunette was sexy, not that it applied to her friendships, but it was a truth), new friend of hers, well, not new as in new acquaintance, but this Alex was new and this Casey was new and it was all the newest she’d felt since, of course, since.

No, breakfast, while exciting and delicious and required after that run, was not the only thing that had Casey feeling good. As she was leaving her place, dressed in a pair of bootcut jeans fraying at the bottoms (how, she wondered, with her height) and a cozy wool sweater (another plus for suspension: choosing her own wardrobe), she read over the email again:

Dear Ms. Novak,

Congratulations! We are so excited to let you know that we would like to accept the three poems you submitted for publication in the Fall issue of Arch and Arrow. We feel they are...

Casey didn’t read further, because she didn’t need to (already had, already filled out the paperwork!), for probably the thousandth time since she received the notification last night. Published! She would be published, in a real literary magazine, her first since, oh, maybe the summer before her first year of law school. Even then, she’d only ever entered undergraduate publications, never real things like this. Well. She thought, the monthly readership of Arch and Arrow would likely be no more than in the triple digits, but, oh who cares! Everything in Casey wanted to skip down the few blocks to Alex’s (how convenient, she’d thought when she realized, should she ever need a cup of sugar) but she did resist, public embarrassment being quite the strong motivator. When she rounded the corner to Alex’s place, she noticed she had a waiting text.

Alex: Buzz when you get here? I’m still getting ready.

She buzzed, and Alex let her in. It was funny, she thought, surprising that Alex wasn’t more punctual than her.

Casey had not yet spent much time at Alex’s place. They usually went out, for coffee or drinks, returning to that little library bar more than once; trading favorite places. Good morning, Casey thought, and it was: beautiful weather, a great run, the best news in a while, and of course, a beautiful woman--

Well, she would put a pin in that last thing.

“Come in,” was the reply from inside when Casey knocked twice, so she did. As soon as she got the door open, two balls of fluff came careening into her calves.

“Hello! Hi! Oh you’re just the most fluffiest perfect little,” Casey said before devolving into only noises, holding both cats at once. “Alex,” she said, setting the kitties down, “Have I mentioned how much I love your cats?”

“Yes,” Alex said, much closer to Casey than she anticipated as she stood up. “Every time you see them. Hey, Case.”

Casey’s breath caught in her throat at the proximity. Then her breath caught again when she noticed that her breath had caught. “Hey. Where to?”

“You asked?” Alex said.

“Oh, um, I did, didn’t I. Let’s go to that little diner,” Casey said, referencing where they’d gone together last weekend. “It’s 6:30 in the morning,” she said, omitting where she would usually include a “goddamn,” bringing things off topic as she saw the clock on Alex’s wall.

“And we’re both wide awake!” Alex said, tilting her head upwards. Casey saw her hair hit her jaw just under her ears. “I want diner coffee, as weird as that is.”

Alex led the way out of her apartment, after giving Casey some cat time so she could put a few barrettes in her hair. As they walked together to the restaurant, Alex saw something extra bubbly in her friend. It was cute, Alex thought, how Casey pointed out birds and fun-shaped clouds.

Casey couldn’t hold her exciting news back for very long once they were all settled. Two coffees-- scrambled eggs and hashbrowns for Casey and fried eggs and toast for Alex. The other patrons of the place this early were all kinds, industrial workers, moms meeting friends with their kids, hungover students, fellow athletes and insomniacs. Yet, she still needed some prompting.

“OK, what has you so energetic this morning?” Alex said. She was still rubbing the tiredness from her eyes.

The was all the encouragement Casey needed. “I got an email last night,” she put some hot sauce on her potatoes, “From Arch and Arrow Magazine,” no signs of recognition in Alex, figures, “saying they want to publish three of my poems.” She ended raising her pitch, smiling that dimpled smile that gave Alex butterflies.

Alex dropped her fork and coffee mug, made some excited noises that didn’t quite form words. “Casey, that’s, oh that’s so exciting! I can’t believe I get to be friends with Casey Novak: published author. I can already imagine it being Casey Novak: award winning poet. Wow, Case, that’s so,”

Casey couldn’t stand the praise anymore, her cheeks were heating up and she tried to hide the blush behind a napkin.

“Are you blushing? Casey, you can’t get embarrassed by your own accomplishments.”

Casey blushed even harder. “Evidently, I can and I will.”

Alex flicked a half and half across the table in spite, and Casey caught it before it fell. “Also, when is it coming out so I can buy 10 copies.”

“You’re ridiculous. Also, it’s not 100% finalized so I’m not going to get too excited until it’s actually in print.”

“Stop being humble, Case, this is a big deal.”

Casey shrugged happily, the dimples seemed permanent for the morning.

“It is a big deal. I’m really happy.”

“Does this mean I get to read your work finally?”

This time it was Casey’s turn to wage milk product war.

Alex insisted she would pay the bill, after a few more conversations. Alex insisted they go back to her apartment, wouldn’t tell Casey why. Casey’s heart jumped when Alex opened the door, brushed her back with her hand as she closed it.

“You go sit on the couch,” Alex ordered (Casey found Alex’s demanding nature very adorable). Casey did, and when Alex returned from the kitchen, her jaw dropped. A bottle of expensive champagne were in one hand, two flutes in the other.

“Alex!” Casey exclaimed, “That’s way too nice. And it’s,” she checked the clock, “8 AM.”

“Special occasion,” Alex said, shrugging and smiling. “I think you deserve to be celebrated.”

They enjoyed the, making new conversations and snuggling the cats. Casey felt warm, comfortable, content. Calm.

“By the way,” Alex said, “I’m sending your poems to Liz Donnelly when they come out. Show her what brilliance she’s missing out on.”

Casey threw her scarf at the brunette this time, with no little milk containers to use. Alex just laughed, did not back down.

“I’m really glad I ran into you today.”

“Me too.”