"this made my day!" — K.P.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: Margo Evardson · Unsplash · DEPT. OF VISUAL DOCUMENTATION · 14:12

§ 3 — approved procurements — K. Patterson

• [ ]Official Firefly Observation Mason Jar
• [ ]Twilight Viewing Lawn Chair
• [ ]Unscented Bug Repellent Wipes
• [ ]Firefly Identification Field Guide
• [ ]After-Dusk Office Blanket

Approved — Form J-7

Karen does not receive a commission. (the department does.)

TO: All Staff

FROM: Karen, Accounting

DATE: June 15, 2026

RE: Fireflies at Dusk

It has come to my attention that a truly beautiful moment occurs each evening around 8:30 PM: the emergence of fireflies from the tall grass at the edge of the parking lot. I observed this phenomenon last night while taking out the recycling, and I must say, it stopped me mid-step.

There's something about those little blinking lights against the purple sky that feels like a secret signal from the universe. They aren't trying to impress anyone—they're just doing their tiny, important work of finding each other. And we, for a few minutes, get to witness it.

I encourage everyone to step outside this week, just before full dark, and watch. It's a small reminder that even in the middle of a busy week, there is quiet magic happening all around us. No purchase necessary. No report to file.

Just fireflies.

— K. Patterson, ext. 204 (phone broken since 1987, just walk over)