Chapter 7
Inside Noodles, Brody Phelps sits at the counter that runs the length of the plate-glass window fronting the restaurant. There are four other stools at the counter beside his, but no one else sits near him. Most patrons seem to prefer the booths or tables, but Brody’s favorite spot is the counter because of the view it affords. At the moment, he’s pushed aside the half-empty bowl of Thai curry soup he had for lunch and has a pad out in front of him. Alternating between light brown and dark gray colored pencils, he sketches a trio of sparrows outside on the pavement. The birds squabble over a piece of bread someone dropped. The scene is too precious to let slip away. Brody would rather eat cold soup than lose an inspirational moment.
He’s so focused on the birds on the other sid
