Cruising down the southerly rural route that connected Sommerfield to Millerton, Becky found herself lost in the tranquil embrace of the open road. Her father's pickup hummed beneath her, the radio softly playing classic rock tunes from a station that seemed frozen in time. She dared not touch the dial; it appeared to be permanently tuned to the station, a testament to her dad's steadfast preferences.

The drive stretched ahead of her, a solitary journey through fields of lush green farmland. The morning sun cast a warm glow on her back, and the gentle breeze flowed through the open window. Becky's fingers tapped rhythmically on the steering wheel, completely in her element as a road adventurer for the day.

An hour seemed to melt away as she navigated the single laned road that led southward. The journey was meditative, each passing mile allowing her thoughts to roam freely. The road crested a small hill, splitting a cluster of trees that graced its peak. As Becky began the descent from the peak, a panoramic view of Millerton unfurled before her in the distance, nestled within the valley's embrace.

From her vantage point, she could tell that Millerton was as big as Sommerfield, perhaps just a few streets leaner at the outskirts. But what caught her eye were the construction cranes, clear signs of growth. They pointed to new areas being developed, pushing into the fields and trees that bordered the town. Change was definitely in the air.

Descending the hill, Becky drove into Millerton proper. She shared the road with big rigs, a consequence of the interstate's recent expansion. The influx of new businesses and opportunities had spurred a flurry of activity, intertwining Millerton's fate with the broader network of commerce.

As she turned onto quieter streets, the pace of life seemed to shift. The familiarity of small-town living enveloped her, reminiscent of Sommerfield's own charm. Pickup trucks lined the roads, their owners bustling about their daily routines. Shops with weathered signs beckoned to passersby, each one seemingly a piece of living history. It was a scene that resonated deeply with Becky, evoking a sense of nostalgia for her beloved hometown.

With each passing corner, Becky's anticipation grew. The streets of Millerton felt somehow like a parallel to Sommerfield, it was no wonder that Dan had found a new home in Millerton. She thought about him and their conversations, his dreams of creating a place he could call his own. The connection between Sommerfield and Millerton became more apparent with every passing moment, and Becky felt a renewed eagerness to meet up with Dan again.

In the early hours of the morning, Becky effortlessly secured a parking spot just outside Dan's deli. Adhering meticulously to the newly installed parking signs, she angled her large pickup with precision, determined to meet her own exacting parking standards.

Rolling her window down and craning her neck out to fine-tune her positioning, Becky's earnest efforts caught the attention of a young man who was busy sweeping the sidewalk outside the deli. His gaze was drawn to her diligence, and he approached her pickup with a friendly wave.

"Hey there," he greeted, his smile warm. "Need a hand with the parking?"

Caught off guard by the unexpected offer, Becky's cheeks colored slightly as she met his gaze. "Oh, no, I think I've got it under control. I think."

Undeterred, the young man moved to the front of her pickup, crouching down to assess her parking job against the faint lines on the ground. With a satisfied nod, he looked up at her and gave a double thumbs up.

Turning off her truck's engine. The young man's presence had her glancing quickly at the rearview mirror to check her own appearance.

As she opened the door, the young man, dressed in a red polo shirt and a dark red apron, beamed at her. His black-rimmed glasses framed his dark brown eyes, lending a touch of youthful charm to his demeanor. Neatly combed jet-black hair completed the picture, a testament to his careful grooming.

"Nicely done," he commented appreciatively. "Parking a big truck like this takes skill, especially without other cars to guide you. That's why I've held off upgrading to a full-sized pickup."

Standing beside him, Becky assessed her handiwork with a sense of satisfaction. Her front wheels were perfectly aligned with the guidelines on the ground. Nodding in agreement, she turned to the young man.

"Thanks," she said with a smile. "Angle parking is a bit new to me. Back in Sommerfield, we don't really have that."

The young man extended his hands for a handshake, his demeanor friendly and inviting. "I'm Colin Li," he introduced himself. "Welcome to Millerton. I wouldn't have guessed you were from Sommerfield, you've got a nice bronze about your skin that doesn't scream rural Minnesota."

Becky shook his hand, her amusement evident in her eyes. "Becky Jones," she replied. "I grew up in Sommerfield, but I've been studying in Southern California for the past two years. I guess I've soaked up more sun than I realized."

Colin adjusted his glasses with a grin. "My bad. I should know better than to stereotype the typical rural Minnesotan. After all, us prairie souls come in all shapes, sizes, and colors."

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Becky laughs, an instant connection forming with the well spoken young man.

"Do you work at the deli?" she asked, before a small laugh escaped her mouth, "Sorry but your apron kind of gave it away."

Colin joined in her laughter, his head tilting slightly as he glanced at his own logoed apron. "Yeah, I sure do." he admitted with a grin. "I'm the sucker who's always stuck with the opening shift. Doesn't bother me too much, honestly. Mornings are quieter, and I get to head home early to focus on my studies."

"What are you studying?" Becky asked eagerly, her curiosity piqued.

Colin's eyes lit up as he shared, "I'm studying hospitality at the technical college. Before that, I had spent half a year doing an internship at the Salmon Resort, working under the hotel manager. It was a life changing experience for me, I found my true calling there."

"That's amazing!" Becky exclaimed, her smile warm."I've heard so many incredible things about the Salmon Resort from my parents. I really want to visit someday."

Colin nodded enthusiastically. "You really should. It's a serene place with plenty of hiking trails. Plus it's got some of the best fly fishing spots for the angling addict. So, what brings you here from Sommerfield so early in the morning?"

"I'm on summer break and thought exploring a nearby town would be fun." She caught Colin checking his watch as she gave her explanation. "Guess I better make a start on my Millerton adventure," she mused. "I bet there's a lot to see in this beautiful town."

Colin's easy smile remained as he waved off her concern. "No rush, really. I've got time before I need to prep the first shipment for our delivery guy. But hey, make sure to check out Pineview Diner around the corner. Their breakfast skillet is something to behold. Better than anything we serve at the deli."

He leaned in with a conspiratorial grin. "Just don't tell my boss I said that."

Becky chuckled at his playfulness. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me! That breakfast skillet sounds like the perfect pick me up after my long haul drive. Where may I find this Pineview diner? "

"You'll find breakfast heaven down that street, on your right after you pass the small grocery store with the green awning."

Becky's gratitude shone in her signature sweet smile. "Thanks, Colin. It's been really nice meeting you."

Colin scratched his head before giving her a quick wave and returning to his sweeping.

But as Becky turned to leave, a thought stopped her in her tracks. She turned back to Colin, a curious expression on her face.

"Wait a second," she began, a playful tone in her voice. "Do you happen to know a guy named Dan? He's supposed to be working at the deli as a delivery driver."

Colin's eyes widened momentarily, his glasses nudged higher up his nose. "Dan Fenton?" he asked in surprise. "Yeah, I know Dan. For a time we worked the exact same shifts, we got to know each other pretty well. He's a good friend of mine." a curious excitement surrounded his voice, "You know him too?"

"Oh, yes. Dan and I have been friends for a long time. We went to the same school in Sommerfield."

Recognition sparked in Colin's eyes. "I think you mentioned you had just come back from California recently?"

Becky nodded.

Colin smiled with understanding. "That's great to hear. I'll let Dan know you dropped by the deli. He'd be so thrilled to see you in Millerton."

Becky's excitement was barely containable. "Actually, can you keep a secret?" she asked mischievously. "I'm planning to surprise Dan. I can't wait to see the look on his face when I show up out of the blue."

"Sure thing, I'm in. Besides, I still owe Dan revenge for that awful prank he pulled on me a few weeks back."

"Prank? What did he do?" Becky asked eagerly.

Colin rubbed his head with a sheepish grin. "I'm usually the one that unpacks the goods that Dan delivers back from our supplier. He somehow managed to sneak a toy spider into one of the salami boxes I was unpacking. I nearly jumped out of my skin when I saw that palm-sized, hairy tarantula staring at me."

Becky burst into a fit of surprise combined with uncontrollable laughter.

"Oh Colin, I'm sorry for laughing so hard at your misfortune!" Wiping a tear from her eye, Becky continued, her voice full of affection, "That spider prank was something our friend Mike used to pull on Dan all the time back in high school. It's just so typically unimaginative of Dan to recycle a cheap trick like that."

Colin raised an eyebrow in amusement. "You know Mike Sullivan too?"

Becky nodded enthusiastically. "Oh absolutely!"

"I thank God that I didn't grow up in Sommerfield, I would have been an easy mark for all of Mike's pranks!" Colin chuckled, shaking his head. "But honestly, I never expected Dan to attempt a prank like that, he's never let on that he has a mischievous side. We had a good laugh about it later, and he did buy me a beer to make up for it. Guess I'm lucky to have survived all of Mike's antics so far. One day though, my luck is gonna run out and I'll be on the receiving end of one of Mike's master pranks."

Colin's demeanor suddenly turns serious, he pivots his body away defensively, a playful look of suspicion gracing his face. "Wait, how can I be sure that Mike didn't send you here as part of some deviously, well plotted out practical joke?"

Becky chuckled with delight, the thought of herself playing a prank on someone she had just met felt unimaginable.

"Oh Colin, you are too nice of a guy for me to play a trick on!"

She reluctantly decided to continue on her way, the thought of a hearty breakfast calling out to her, "I better get going, I am absolutely famished! Hope I'll see you again later when I drop by to see Dan.

Colin smiles back, a hopeful look in his eyes. "You should pop by the deli at around lunch time. Dan should be here and we can fix you up with a nice walleye sandwich."

Becky playfully crossed her arms, tilting her head upwards. Her eyes casting a discerning glare at Colin. "How good are the deli's sandwiches? My mom makes a pretty formidable walleye sandwich, so the deli has its work cut out for it."

After a moment's hesitation, Colin's eyes looked back at her with resignation. "Maybe you can try our wild rice soup instead."

They both burst into laughter, the shared moment of humor connecting them even further. As their laughter subsided, Becky extended her hand, and Colin shook it warmly.

"It's been really nice talking to you, Mr Li."

"Likewise, Ms Jones."

With a nod and a smile, Becky turned her gaze towards the cafe down the street, seeking confirmation for her path. Colin followed her gaze and pointed in the same direction, his affirmation clear. As the morning sun painted the shop fronts with a golden hue, Becky crossed the street and walked away, leaving behind a newfound friend and a town waiting to be explored.