Chapter 14: Convection

Eli loved October. When he was little, it was for the abundance of candy. Halloween was Kathryn’s favorite holiday and they would schedule a weekend of watching gory, horror movies. His sister liked the older horror films that crossed the line from scary to silly.

Volunteering for pumpkin carving for the Old Jack O’ Lantern Fest was a Wilde family tradition that started when he was in middle school and Kathryn dragged him there. They went every year since no matter what. An earthquake could split New Welch in two and Eli would still be expected to arrive on time.

That Friday, he went to their meeting spot. It was a café near the event. Kathryn was on what was probably her fourth cup of coffee that day. His sister had a habit of substituting meals with caffeine and croissants.

He took the seat across from her at the nook in the corner, away from other people as she liked.

“Hey, sis,” he greeted her. “Were you waiting long?”