The Monthly Chronic-les of Life
Chapter 2: A Florida Escape
September 4th: North Port, Florida
Paul Shellback was more than ready to escape the daily grind of Youngstown, Ohio. The city had its charms, but the endless gray skies and brisk winds often weighed heavily on him, especially during the long winter months. Lately, he’d watched more than a few friends slip into the shadows of seasonal depression, struggling to find a way out. He admired those who sought help—whether through therapy, education, or trying new things like CBD—but Paul couldn’t shake the feeling that he was only one bad week away from joining them.
The thought of it all made him wish he hadn’t tried that mushroom in college. It was supposed to open his mind, but all it did was make him paranoid for hours. At least now, he stuck to what he knew: a little THC and a lot of CBD. It was enough to take the edge off without sending him into another existential spiral.
As he stepped off the plane in Florida, the warm, humid air hit him like a comforting embrace. It was a welcome change from the Ohio gloom, and for the first time in weeks, Paul felt his shoulders relax.
His sister, Lisa, was waiting for him outside the baggage claim, a big grin on her face. She was the epitome of a beach-loving, free-spirited hippie—complete with sun-bleached hair, tanned skin, and a wardrobe that consisted mostly of flowy dresses and flip-flops.
“Welcome to paradise!” she exclaimed, pulling him into a quick hug. As she let go, she handed him a Blue Dream Vape from Tri-Healthy.
“Just in case you need to take the edge off,” Lisa said with a wink.
Paul laughed, shaking his head. “Still trying to get me to join the dark side, huh?”
Lisa grinned. “Hey, it’s not the dark side if it’s legal and it helps you chill out. Besides, I’ve got some edibles back at the house. Maybe you’ll get lucky, and I’ll sneak a brownie into your bag.”
“You’re incorrigible,” Paul said, but he couldn’t help but smile. Despite her teasing, Lisa had always been there for him, helping him loosen up when life got too heavy.
As they drove towards North Port, Lisa couldn’t keep the excitement off her face. “I’ve got a little surprise for you tonight,” she said, trying to sound casual but failing miserably.
“Oh?” Paul raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What kind of surprise?”
“Just wait,” Lisa teased, her grin widening. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
After a quick stop at Lisa’s place to drop off his bags, they made their way to Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, where a small gathering was already in full swing. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the beach, and the sound of reggae music drifted through the air from a nearby beach bar, setting the perfect mood.
As they settled on the sand, Lisa lit up an Oreoz THCA Flower joint from Tri-Healthy, taking a deep drag and exhaling slowly as she watched the sunset. “This is the life, bro,” she said, offering it to Paul.
He declined with a laugh. “I’m good, thanks. You know I’m more of a CBD guy.”
“Suit yourself,” Lisa shrugged, taking another puff. She glanced over at Christy Beachlover, who was chatting with some friends nearby. “By the way, I think you’re going to like Christy. She’s got that whole earthy, laid-back vibe you dig.”
Paul followed her gaze and felt a twinge of curiosity. “We’ll see,” he said, trying to play it cool.
The evening passed in a blur of laughter, music, and easy conversation. Paul and Christy hit it off almost immediately, bonding over their love of the outdoors and a shared appreciation for dad jokes, much to Lisa’s amusement. The reggae beats of Vibes Farm played softly in the background, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.
As the night wore on, Paul could feel the tension in his back creeping back in, a reminder of the long flight and the day’s activities. He mentioned it to Lisa, who promptly pulled out a bottle of Steel Valley Hemp Full Spectrum Tincture Oil 1000mg.
“Here, try this,” Lisa said, handing him the dropper. “It’s a bit stronger than the last one I gave you, but it’ll help with the aches.”
Paul didn’t hesitate. He knew Lisa swore by this stuff, and after his first experience with the tincture back in Ohio, he was becoming a believer. He took the dropper and placed it under his tongue, feeling the familiar taste work its way through his system.
“Better?” Christy asked as she settled down next to him, her eyes reflecting the soft glow of the setting sun.
“Getting there,” Paul said with a smile. “This stuff is a lifesaver.”
Christy nodded. “I like a good 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD myself. Keeps me balanced, especially after a long day out on the water.”
Paul admired that. Christy seemed like someone who knew how to take care of herself, finding the perfect balance between work and relaxation—a balance Paul often struggled to achieve.
As the night wound down, Lisa mentioned an upcoming event. “You should come back in October, Paul. There’s this awesome event called Reggae Nights on the Island on the 5th. It’s at one of my favorite spots, and I’m sure Christy will be there too.”
Paul looked at Christy, who gave him a playful nudge. “You should come back,” she agreed. “It’s going to be a lot of fun, and it’ll give you another excuse to get out of Ohio for a bit.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Paul said, already thinking about how to make it happen.
As they packed up to leave, Paul couldn’t help but feel a little lighter. Maybe it was the tincture, or maybe it was the promise of something—or someone—worth coming back to Florida for.
To be continued…
Experiencing pain and stress like Paul? Try Steel Valley Hemp Full Spectrum Tincture Oil 1000mg, available at Tri-Healthy in Niles, OH; Venice, FL; and North Port, FL. Perfect for easing the tension after a long day, whether you’re in Ohio or enjoying the sun in Florida.
Guiding Questions:- Will Paul make it back to Florida for the Reggae Nights on the Island event, and how will his connection with Christy develop?
- How will Paul’s experience with the stronger tincture impact his routine back in Ohio?
- What other surprises might be in store for Paul as he navigates this new chapter in his life?
Did you miss the first chapter? Read Chapter 1 here.