The Monthly Chronic-les of Life
Chapter 9: Bacon-Flavored Bonding and Beachside Revelations
September 20th: North Port, Florida
The morning sun was already warm as Paul Shellback stepped out onto Christy’s porch, taking in the view of the calm water shimmering in the distance. The past few days had been a whirlwind of relaxation and exploration, and he was already feeling the benefits of his Florida escape. The upcoming game against Cleveland High loomed in the back of his mind, but for now, Paul was content to focus on the present.
As he sipped his coffee—a rich brew of Tri-Shrooms Irish Dreams Coffee—Paul heard the familiar sound of paws padding across the porch. He looked down to see Christy’s dog, a lively Golden Retriever named Max, wagging his tail enthusiastically.
“Morning, Max,” Paul said, crouching down to give the dog a scratch behind the ears. “Ready for another day of adventure?”
Max barked happily, his tail wagging even faster.
Christy appeared in the doorway, smiling at the scene. “I see you’ve made a new best friend.”
Paul stood up, grinning. “How could I not? Max here is a charmer.”
Christy laughed, joining them on the porch with her own cup of coffee. “He’s a good boy. Loves the beach as much as I do. Speaking of which, I was thinking we could take him down to Brohard Paw Park. It’s a great beach just for dogs—Max always has a blast there.”
“That sounds perfect,” Paul agreed. “I could use a little more beach time before I head back to Ohio.”
Christy nodded, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a small bottle. “I’ve got something special for Max, too,” she said, holding up the Steel Valley Hemp Full Spectrum Tincture Oil Pets 600 Bacon Flavor. “This helps him stay calm, especially when there are a lot of other dogs around. Plus, he loves the taste—who wouldn’t love bacon?”
Paul chuckled as Christy placed a few drops of the tincture into Max’s water bowl. “You’re spoiling him.”
“He deserves it,” Christy replied, giving Max a pat on the head. “And I want him to be as relaxed as we are.”
Max eagerly lapped up the water, his tail wagging in approval. Once he was finished, Christy grabbed his leash, and the three of them set off for Brohard Paw Park, the only dog-friendly beach in the area. The short drive was filled with Max’s excited barks and Christy’s laughter, the atmosphere light and carefree.
Before hitting the beach, they made a quick stop at Tri-Healthy in Venice, where Christy introduced Paul to some of her favorite Delta Lights. “These are perfect for unwinding after a long day,” she explained, handing him a can of Delta Lights Lemonade. “But if you’re in the mood for something different, they’ve got plenty of options."
Paul looked over the selection, intrigued by the variety. “I could get used to this. You’ve got a whole routine down, don’t you?”
Christy grinned. “You could say that. It’s all about balance, right?”
When they finally arrived at the park, Max practically dragged them to the beach, his excitement contagious. The wide, sandy shore was dotted with other dogs, all happily splashing in the surf or chasing balls their owners threw into the waves.
“Max is in heaven,” Paul observed as the dog bounded into the water, barking at the waves.
“He really is,” Christy agreed, smiling as she watched him play. “I love bringing him here. It’s the one place where he can really let loose.”
They found a spot on the beach to set up their towels, and while Max ran in and out of the water, Christy and Paul relaxed in the sun. The sound of the waves and the happy yelps of dogs in the distance created a perfect backdrop for their conversation.
“So, when’s your flight back?” Christy asked, a hint of reluctance in her voice.
“Tomorrow evening,” Paul replied, his tone matching hers. “I wanted to get one more day in before I head back.”
Christy nodded, her gaze fixed on the horizon. “I’m really glad you came down, Paul. It’s been… nice.”
“Nice?” Paul teased, nudging her gently. “I’d say it’s been more than nice. It’s been exactly what I needed.”
Christy smiled, turning to meet his eyes. “Yeah, me too. It’s been a while since I’ve felt this… connected to someone.”
Paul’s heart skipped a beat at her words. He felt the same, but hearing her say it brought a new level of reality to their growing bond. “I feel the same way, Christy. This—what we have—it’s special.”
Christy reached out and took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I don’t want to lose that.”
“Neither do I,” Paul said, his voice firm. “I know we’ve got a lot going on in our lives, but I think we can make this work.”
Christy nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. “I think so too.”
They sat there in comfortable silence, their hands still entwined, watching Max chase after seagulls along the shore. The simplicity of the moment was profound, a quiet promise of what could be if they both committed to nurturing their connection.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Max finally tired himself out and trotted back to them, flopping down on the sand with a contented sigh.
“Looks like someone’s ready to head home,” Paul observed with a chuckle.
Christy nodded, gathering their things. “Let’s get him back. He’s had his fun for the day.”
They made their way back to the car, Max happily panting in the back seat as they drove home. The day had been perfect, filled with laughter, sunshine, and a deepening bond that both Paul and Christy were eager to explore further.
They didn’t end up doing everything they planned, but sometimes, a day filled with Max, sun, sand, and a few drinks was all it took to make it perfect.
To be continued…
Looking for a way to help your furry friend relax like Max? Try Steel Valley Hemp Full Spectrum Tincture Oil Pets 600 Bacon Flavor, available at Tri-Healthy in Niles, OH; Venice, FL; and North Port, FL. The perfect treat for your pet to enjoy a calm, happy day.
Guiding Questions:
- How will Paul and Christy’s relationship evolve as they navigate the challenges of distance and their busy lives?
- What role will Max and other small, everyday moments play in strengthening their bond?
- How will Paul’s refreshed mindset influence his approach to the upcoming Cleveland High game?