Nothing Strange Here · published
Concept Art by Noah Dovholt
Meet uncle Barnie – A man who easily could be mistaken for a mountain, but separates himself from the rest by wearing a bright pink tie.
Barnie Bernstein is the last blood relative of Bennie Bernstein. As the editor in chief at the local newspaper, the Bulletin, he is the one bringing people their daily news.
Barnie has spent all his life in the town of Larcenest Gap, convinced there couldn’t be any better place on earth. Pumpkin pies, lemon tea, crossword puzzles, his family…Everything gathered in one great place. In an attempt to broaden his horizon, Barnie once tried to go on vacation to a nearby city, but cut the visit short because he got homesick. Barnie really felt he had it all right there, in Larcenest Gap. But nothing lasts forever…
One day, out of the blue, his sister told him she was leaving town and wanted the family to join her. Barnie was devastated, asking her why she would want to leave. Her answer was short. She just needed to leave and never come back. Barnie, however, stood his ground and stayed in Larcenest Gap, watching his whole family drive off. He thought to himself that they would come back sooner or later… But they never did.
To deal with his loneliness, Barnie buried himself in work. He stayed in the office for a full week until he realized how he reeked. On his way home to clean himself up, even though looking like Bigfoot with his unshaved beard, people still stopped him to say how much they enjoyed his news. That was the moment Barnie realized that he was never alone. He had a whole town to care about.
With his rough exterior protecting the much softer interior, Barnie is best described as a gentle giant. His kind nature is what makes him care so deeply about Bennie, even though they had never met in person before this. What Barnie never expected, however, is just how much more important Bennie would become to him…
Barnie has been the town’s trusted informant for years. Do you think Bennie can fit into his uncle’s giant shoes? Let us know in the comments!