| Chicago - The Presidium | ..:Bayou's Bar and Grill:..
..Chicago Downtown District..
.City of Chicago, IL.
says to ALL: This was as close to Carlisle as he could manage. A small bar, which offered a comforting embrace to those who lingered inside. Yet, once outside, he found himself amidst the city's bustle, an adjustment still in progress. He had cast out feelers, leaving notes in newspapers, on online message boards, and even spending the last of his savings on two billboard signs.
But as the months slipped by, he still found himself keeping time to a silent rhythm in his mind. Sloane remained missing, Lincoln had disappeared in California, and Devon... "Devon," he whispered her name, shook his head, and signaled for another beer to quench the thirst in his throat that mirrored the sadness in his heart.
As he waited, he pulled out his phone, tapped the camera icon, and began scrolling through the photos he had taken over the years. The house he had renovated following the disaster of a relationship made him set the phone down on the table. Perhaps that's what he needed to do—not hide in the city but find a place on the outskirts.
Even as the thought crossed his mind, he knew he would be lost in his own thoughts, and that could harm him more than staying in the bustling city. At least here, the din and turmoil could distract him from his thoughts.
"Thank you," he said as the glass was placed before him and the empty one taken away. "Can I get you anything to eat?" the waitress inquired, pausing momentarily for his response.
"Maybe a burger?" he suggested.
"Single? Double? Fries?" she probed.
"Sure..." he replied, his interest seemingly minimal as he followed her suggestion.
"I'll make it a double," the waitress decided, then turned to leave.
