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Pullman, Washington

S ome of the WSU kids have skipped town early for Thanksgiving.

The murders over in Moscow have freaked everyone out.

So the receptionist at the medical center is glad when one of them, at least, keeps his scheduled appointment.

The kid’s name is Bryan Kohberger.

He comes in in a North Face jacket. Tall, thin, pale. Eyes that bug out.

He’s a talker. Goes out of his way to chat to all the staff. Charm them. He stands out.

The receptionist doesn’t usually remember anyone’s name, but she’ll remember Bryan’s. Her boss doesn’t usually comment on any of the patients, but even she says, “He’s so nice and charming.”

The receptionist agrees.

Before he leaves, Bryan schedules an appointment for next spring.

“See you then,” she tells him.

She and her colleagues will look forward to that.