"Secrets of the universe? Where have I heard that before?" he said.

"It really is this time. The signs all point to it."

"Signs? What signs are you seeing?"

"Messages from all around. The music, the articles."

"Slow down," he said. "Are you feverish?"

"No, dammit! I'm leaving tonight. Are you coming or not?"

"Ok," he said. He had to make sure she stayed out of trouble.

She went to pack. He did some light packing too.

"It shouldn't take long before it's over," he thought.

That evening they were off.

***

"Do you hear it?" she asked.

"Hear what? The radio?"

"Yes, the radio. The songs, the lyrics."

"Yes I hear them. And?"

"You don't understand?"

"Understand what?"

"You don't understand." She was frustrated. "Nevermind, I know where to go."

The music, the road signs, they all spoke to her. Left here, right there. At times she'd miss an exit or something

We're in an America based on tabloid news, underground comix, 1970s trash culture, Jack Chick Tracts, Mad magazine, and what Fox News viewers likely think kids these days are up to. The geist is very 70s, blended with present-day and 1990s elements. In short it's a story that could only take place in a comic book, and one NOT intended for children. It features a small army of small town characters, including writer/artist Rick Altergott's most notorious

the toucan sat on his perch at the zoo

dark round berries in a pan at his feet

he took each one in the tip of his bill

and threw his head back

and most of the berries were lost to the ground

I watched him about half an hour or so

he tilted his head at each berry that fell

picked up some more and lost most of them too

and after Muhammad Ali passed away

I thought of that bird and his pan and his perch