ALONE TOGETHER: A SPRAWL COMIC SERIES Sam Hester documents the struggle and strange beauty of Calgary life in a pandemic. Embracing the ghosts 2020 brought It’s time to leave old expectations behind. Finding joy where we can Our daily tasks are connected to bigger things — even in 2020. It’s time to slow down In these hard times, attention is a gift. Back-to-school feels like a roller coaster ‘This year, so many things are out of my control.’ Making space for a new chapter Endings are hard — but they bring renewal. Sometimes things don’t get easier But sharing our stories can help. The stories we tell ourselves They will define this time for us. Moving into the familiar — but unknown It feels like a risky time to build dreams. Finding freedom in our smaller worlds If the Ramsay turkey can do it, so can we. Asking for help isn’t shameful — it’s smart We need each other right now. Hold it! This is not over yet If we ignore the experts, everyone is affected. The small joys of going outside They give us a sense of purpose. The Calgarians who keep us connected I didn’t see them, but I’m so thankful. Still working up my courage to relax It’s harder than it sounds. This time is not wasted Let’s listen — and start building for what’s next. Pulling together — even as we move apart The 2013 flood made Calgary stronger. This can too.