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While we waited for pizza, I looked over my lists to see what else we should work on. It struck me how much my life had changed in less than a year. In my pre-Wilkins’ Gap life, pizza delivery was my go-to order any time I was too busy to cook or just couldn't be bothered. Now, it was a treat I looked forward to when we were somewhere large enough to offer the service.
After the first few bites, I said, "We never talk about this, but how do you see the BFFam thing working out? Do we ever do anything with the observations your Dad and Harry recorded? Is that going to be the cornerstone of our museum?"
Chance took another bite of pizza. I knew he was thinking about my question. "I don't know. I guess it will depend on how things play out with BITES." He stopped for more pizza. "I know it's cliché but safety first. We have to stop the threat."
"Let's say that we find out that BITES is experimenting on weaponizing cryptids. Do we publicize that? I guess I just can't see how this ever gets resolved. I'm trying to imagine our day-to-day lives getting back to normal, but I can't really see how that will happen."
We talked about possible displays for the museum. Nothing has been finalized other than the location. We keep waffling between focusing on displays of actual evidence, like the thunderbird feather and castings of bigfoot prints, along with recordings of eye-witness statements or going a different way and creating more of a research institute. Part of our dilemma is that the most incredible information we personally own is the BFFam observation notes, and we aren't sure whether we will be able to use those or if we still want to keep that secret.
"You can't figure this out on your own, so don't try. When I signed the lease, I didn't realize how many other things would be taking up our time. It's OK," Chance said. "Rents in Wilkins' Gap are reasonable."
"Is there any chance we can get out of the lease?"
"Probably. Do you want to do that?"
"I don't know. I just feel like we aren't going to even be able to think about the museum until we figure out the BITES thing."
"And what our life together is going to look like. I guess I didn't really think that through. I thought the museum would be something to keep you busy in Wilkins' Gap while I'm off leading hunts. I didn't realize how difficult it would be to be away from you."
"Aw. That's so sweet," I said. For a big, tough cryptid hunter sometimes Chance was just a big softy. "I feel that way too. We've gotten used to being together. I think we've both been surprised how much we actually enjoy that."
"We don't have to make a decision about the museum right now. I can talk to the building owner next time I'm back in town to see what options we have. I still think it's a good idea, but we need to figure out some other things first. Let's clean up this stuff and pack up what we can. I want to enjoy the rest of our night."