The Monthly Chronic-les of Life
Chapter 10: Homecomings and New Beginnings
September 23rd: Youngstown, Ohio
The crisp Ohio air greeted Paul Shellback as he stepped out of the airport, the warmth of Florida already feeling like a distant memory. He took a deep breath, the cool breeze a sharp contrast to the balmy days he had just spent with Christy. As much as he loved the sunshine and the carefree moments by the beach, there was something grounding about being back in Youngstown—a reminder of the responsibilities waiting for him.
Paul slung his bag over his shoulder and made his way to his car, which had been patiently waiting in the long-term parking lot. As he approached, he noticed something unusual—a flyer for Kamala Harris was stuck under his windshield wiper, fluttering in the breeze. Paul raised an eyebrow, wondering if this kind of solicitation was even legal, but shrugged it off as he removed the flyer and tossed it in the back seat.
With that odd encounter behind him, Paul started the engine and headed toward home. But first, he made a quick stop at Stone Fruit Coffee Company in Youngstown. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as Paul stepped inside, bringing him back to the tranquil mornings he had spent with Christy, sipping mushroom coffee and basking in the Florida sunshine. For a moment, he allowed himself to linger in that memory—a breakfast that felt like pure bliss, a scene right out of a romantic novel. But just as quickly, the reality of Youngstown snapped him back into the present, the familiar sound of the little dachshund yapping across the street pulling him out of his daydream.
After grabbing his coffee, Paul continued his drive home, where he found his neighbor, Mrs. Donnelly, outside with her dachshund, Duke. The little dog barked excitedly as Paul got out of the car.
“Welcome back, Paul!” Mrs. Donnelly called out, waving. “How was your trip?”
“It was great, Mrs. Donnelly. Just what I needed,” Paul replied, smiling as Duke trotted over to sniff his shoes.
“I’m sure it was,” she said with a knowing look. “You look a lot more relaxed than when you left.”
Paul chuckled, bending down to pat Duke’s head. “I guess I am. How’s Duke been? Any trouble while I was gone?”
“Oh, he’s been his usual self,” Mrs. Donnelly said, rolling her eyes affectionately at the little dog. “Though he’s been a bit more anxious lately, especially with all the noise from the construction down the street.”
Paul straightened up, an idea forming in his mind. “I might have something that could help with that,” he said, heading back to his car. He reached into his bag and pulled out a bottle of Steel Valley Hemp Full Spectrum Tincture Pets - Krill and Extra Virgin Oil 150Mg. “This stuff worked wonders for Christy’s dog, Max. It helps with anxiety and keeps them calm.”
Mrs. Donnelly took the bottle, examining it curiously. “Really? That sounds like just what Duke needs. Thank you, Paul.”
“No problem,” Paul said. “Just add a few drops to his food, and you should see a difference. It’s got krill oil, which is great for their joints and skin, too.”
“I’ll give it a try,” Mrs. Donnelly said, smiling warmly. “You’re always so thoughtful, Paul. I’m sure Duke will appreciate it.”
After saying goodbye, Paul headed inside, the familiar scent of his home welcoming him back. He set his bag down and took a moment to absorb the quiet, the stillness a stark contrast to the lively energy of Christy’s place. As much as he loved his job and the life he had built in Youngstown, there was a part of him that missed the easygoing vibe of Florida.
Paul made his way to the living room, where his phone buzzed with a message. It was from Christy.
Just got Max settled after our beach day. He’s missing you already (and so am I). Hope the flight was okay. Talk soon?
Paul smiled as he read the message, feeling a warmth spread through him. Miss you too. Flight was fine—just getting settled back in. Can’t wait to talk, he typed back, hitting send before setting the phone down.
He knew there would be challenges ahead—balancing his career, the demands of coaching, and maintaining a long-distance relationship—but for the first time in a while, Paul felt a sense of clarity. His weekend in Florida had given him more than just relaxation; it had given him perspective. He was ready to face whatever came next.
As he unpacked his bag, Paul’s thoughts drifted to the upcoming game against Cleveland High. It was going to be a tough match, and he needed to ensure his team was focused and prepared. But for now, he allowed himself to savor the peace of the moment, the lingering sense of calm from his time with Christy still settling in his bones.
Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Paul headed to the local high school for a brief meeting with his coaching staff. The team was counting on him to lead them through the challenges ahead, and Paul was determined to rise to the occasion.
The meeting was productive, the staff going over strategies and refining their game plan for the week. Paul could sense the tension in the room—Cleveland High was their biggest rival, and everyone knew what was at stake. But instead of feeling overwhelmed, Paul felt a renewed sense of determination.
As the meeting wrapped up, Adam Greenleaf, his best friend and fellow coach, sidled up to him. “You seem different, man. Florida did you good, huh?”
Paul grinned, clapping Adam on the shoulder. “Yeah, it did. I’m ready to take on Cleveland. Let’s do this.”
Adam chuckled, giving him a thumbs-up. “That’s the spirit. We’ve got this. And hey, I got a fresh pre-roll in the mail from Tri-Healthy. Chemdog—it’ll make you howl!” Adam added with a playful grin.
Paul laughed, shaking his head. “You and your pre-rolls. Just don’t let the kids see you howling at practice.”
As Paul drove home that night, he felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. There was a lot on the horizon—both personally and professionally—but he was ready to face it all head-on. And with Christy by his side, even from a distance, he knew he had the strength to make it through.
To be continued…
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Guiding Questions:
- How will Paul balance his responsibilities in Youngstown with his growing relationship with Christy?
- What challenges will the team face as they prepare for the big game against Cleveland High?
- How will Paul’s newfound perspective influence his approach to coaching and life in general?