The Poplar Press is a newspaper for just one block in Middlebridge. Run by Cathy, it chronicles the comings and goings of the 14 houses on the Poplar block between 12th and 13th streets.
Cathy has good relationships with almost everyone on the block. It’s an excellent way for her to keep up with everyone and for everyone to keep up with what’s going on with their neighbors.
However, one neighbor refuses to participate. The paper has an edition whenever news strikes, usually about three times a month. Ruth, however, who lives on the east end of the street at 13th, does not talk to the press.
Cathy usually left Ruth alone, but next week was the Poplar Press Census. It was an annual event that Cathy organized for the whole block. It resulted in an edition of the paper with a small story for each neighbor.
Cathy decided that the only way to catch Ruth was to hide at the bottom of her driveway after she left the paper. Cathy had observed that Ruth picked up the paper quickly each time it was delivered.
This edition was packed. The cops had arrested a drunk driver on the block the night before, and Cathy had all of the details. The Bohanans had a yard sale the previous weekend and gave tricks and tips to other neighbors. Finally, Cathy judged a piemaking contest, and the results were in.
Cathy hid behind a bush by the curb, just out of sight of Ruth’s driveway. When she heard the door open, Cathy waited. Ruth was a woman in her 20s with a dog named Hank, but no one ever saw the dog. When Ruth made it to the paper, Cathy jumped up.
“Hi, Ruth,” Cathy said. “It’s me, Cathy. I write the paper.”
“I know, Cathy. We’ve met before.”
“Any updates you want to share for the next edition?”
“Absolutely nothing,” Ruth replied, and she walked back to her house.
“I wanted to invite you personally to the Poplar Press Census party next Tuesday. We’d all love for you to come.”
“I’m not interested,” Ruth said, and looked back for a moment. “Thank you for publishing the paper, Cathy. It makes it easier for me to never talk to any of my neighbors.”
Cathy smiled and ignored the comment, “Next Tuesday, Ruth. I won’t print anything about this conversation. It’s off the record.”