In the depths of Chicago, hidden in the blackest of shadows and illuminated only by subtle candlelight, there sits a young woman frantically scribbling on her notebook. She mumbles to herself, one pen dangling from her unkempt hair as the other is tested to its limits by a hand that can't keep up with the thoughts driving it. She is surrounded by a litter of scrunched up paper balls, some of which have been furiously torn to shreds and lay like fallen confetti at her feet.

Finally, she's ready. She grasps her desk with both hands and pushes herself back, stretching into the flickering shadow cast on the wall behind her.

''Right. Let's get this show on the road.''

The woman pulls on her coat and leaves the room, pausing to blink for a moment as she steps out into daylight. Her little room was a retreat, yes, but she preferred to keep it immersed in darkness, with tightly drawn blackout curtains, furnished with the bare necessities and accented only with the heady odour of incense and the single candle that usually signalled her presence. She was a simple sort of girl; the only real luxury she enjoyed was evident in the several empty quart bottles of rum that sat abandoned in her trashcan.

Wrapping her coat around her and rubbing her hands together to warm them up, Lilac searches for a decent street corner to address everyone. Taking her position, she clears her throat and silently wishes she'd had a shot of the good stuff before this; public speaking made her nervous, though she rarely let it show.

''Everyone! Yes, you...and you. If I may have your attention please, just for a moment. I know it's cold and I know we're all busy, but I would like to make a small announcement.

''For some time now, our world has lacked some form of media. We all enjoy a nice newspaper with our morning coffee, do we not? Something to while away the time during long journeys and inside waiting rooms; something to browse, something to peak our interest, something that sparks conversation. Moreover, all of us, including the little guys, enjoy an opportunity to delve into the minds of those perched at the top of the food chain, a chance to perhaps ask questions and invite some wisdom our way. And wouldn't it be nice to know where the best food joints are, the best tailors and the best bars to let it all hang out? Of course it would. We need a pulse to keep our finger on and I, ladies and gentlemen, would like to make an offering.''

''Introducing The Calamari - a fledgling newspaper that I hope will grow and prosper alongside its home city of Chicago and reach all corners of our society, spanning each and every city and inspiring people once again to read, absorb and most importantly, become involved with this world.

''Now, the first edition is already well underway but I would like to invite participation from those who have an interest.What would you like to read about? What feature has always been lacking in the publications of the past? What do you expect to get in return for your twenty cents? Social commentary? A spot of satire? Give me your thoughts and I will do my very best to make them a reality - stop by my little office with any and all enquiries.

''Ladies and gentlemen, thank you kindly for your time and keep your eyes peeled - The Calamari will be making its debut appearance in the very near future!''

With that, Lilac steps down from her soapbox, grabs the sign she had made some days prior and nails it above the door of her family HQ:

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