The News from Whispering Pines

On Saturday morning Mr. and Mrs. Brewer had breakfast at the local Denny's prior to Mr. Brewer embarking on his annual bike trip with long-time friend, Wally, from Wyoming. Over eggs and turkey bacon Mr. Brewer laid out his itinerary. He was meeting up with Wally in Billings, MT Saturday evening. That meant a 500 mile ride for Mr. Brewer. That was a lot of miles, Mr. Brewer said. But Mrs. Brewer noticed between sips of coffee and orange juice that he had a bigger smile than she'd seen in months and a buoyant mood that even the gray sky and drizzling rain couldn't stifle. Part of her wanted to go with him and the other part knew he needed this trip alone. He needed an adventure with his biker buddy. She wasn't much of a biker woman. They'd accepted that in their relationship. She wouldn't last long on a motorcycle in the wind and rain. He could easily go 500 miles in those conditions. She could ride with him for 100 miles or so and enjoy the open road, but any longer and she wanted heat/air conditioning and a seat that pushed back so she could take a nap. They finished their eggs and hash browns and paid the bill. Mr. Brewer revved up his Harley and headed for Montana. Mrs. Brewer drove home to Whispering Pines in her Honda Accord. She had a good book to read and an apple pie to bake. She'd be there when Mr. Brewer came home.