Finding Greg

Anna pulled into the parking lot of Wilson's Diner, the same place she'd dramatically announced she would flee from forever a decade ago. 'Anna Harper's coming home!' --- wasn't exactly the buzz around Hollow Creek, though---probably more like 'Greg's girl is back.' She glanced down at her phone's screen. Still no new notifications. Her father was a perfect blend of predictable and frustratingly old school. Before her parents split, Greg called his daughter daily. 'Can't ever be too far apart to talk,' he'd say while tending to grass as luscious as their relationship used to be. **Lately, Greg had gone radio silent**. No hints at anything serious in the few conversations they'd had recently—unless you count the mention of 'bacon that fights back,' which she assumed was a mere joke about over-crisping. But Anna worried, driven by news cycle soundbites that dumbfounded her—'People in their sixties are living in isolation. Next at six...' In the dim booths of Wilson's, she took solace in the usual banter between Jerry, the ever-energetic owner, and Vera, a diner waitress with expressions sharper than the knives used to slice Sunday's pot roast. **"Well, well, who do we have here?"** Vera's voice sliced through the cozy air as Anna sauntered in, her eyes scanning the room. "If it isn't Greg's famous daughter, back to bring some city light to our humble abode." Anna chuckled, finding warmth here odd, yet comforting. "Only light's coming off my phone, really. Seen my dad around, Vera? Didn't answer my calls." **"Ah, Greg's been doing road trips with the Boys, honey!"** Vera exclaimed while pouring Anna some coffee, her gestures slightly dramatic. "Like their last adventure camping trip, probably ended up losing Wi-Fi somewhere, I guess." Moss-covered, peeling memories surged through Anna. This was new. Her dad's version of going 'out there' never included any mention of adventuring into the wilderness. Anna found herself investigating locally, discovering her past behind newly painted facades, including the corner store revamped by an enthusiastic young couple, Hannah and Luis. Over a couple of visits, Luis became Anna's sounding board. **"Well, Greg keeps talking about this thing larger than life,"** Luis mused, showcasing a profound understanding of small-town antics. "Honestly? Sounds like a modern Bigfoot tale," he jested. **Tension dripped away, and Anna gained perspective**. She strolled through places she'd taken for granted, discussing ideas with retirees passionate about whatever noisy vehicle paraded their circles. Greg's friends at Sheryl's Bait & Bow, armed with fish tales and conspiracy theories, won her heart. It appeared her father had been getting by your stereotype as an adventurous retiree even though he mostly avoided going outdoors. Late evening shadows crept when Anna finally tracked Greg down within the town library. Discovering him absorbed in a well-worn travel magazine, she briefly thought of leaving quietly just to observe this unsuspected impassioned side of him. "Hey, old man," Anna said as she broke the silence with a wide grin. Greg's face beamed sunnily, exuded warmth she hadn't felt in years. "Getting ready to ditch Wi-Fi for survival skills, huh?" **Greg chuckled heartily, revealing his core behind the archaic tales**. "Can't keep a mind stagnant, Anna! Think I'm following everyone's expectations here?" Together, they explored realities previously tangled in radio silence. Greg's hidden adventures became stories to be cherished—and more excuses for Anna to connect with him the way they should've all along. The questions running in Anna's mind gave way to genuine laughter as they planned Spur-of-the-moment plans, the likes of which made moments previously assumed lost. As days dwindled, Anna stood back next to her car, feeling both nostalgic and invigorated. Returning home proved tactical in finding more than just Greg. She found parts of herself she never thought to look at. Anna got into her car, filled with promise and newfound relationships, and started to drive back to her city life, unsure if she'd want to leave so long this time - Hollow Creek's grasp warm with goodbyes. Greg's voice echoed once more through her heart. 'Can't ever be too far apart to talk.'