Western Kentucky University’s campus remained draped in darkness from the night before. The traffic lights worked tirelessly under a star-filled sky, although no motorists were on the road to abide by them yet.

Micah Brandt, a building services attendant, had been at work in Tate Page Hall since 4 a.m. The long curved hallways of the third floor looked dark and lifeless. He turned on one light at a time as he went from office to office, emptying small trash cans into his cart. The only sounds on the floor came from the clicking noise made by his keys.

Brandt talked about caste systems, social structures and politics as he worked. He said his experiences at work inspire him to write. He writes science fiction and comic books. He pitches stories to DC Comics about six times a year.

He ended up in Bowling Green about a year ago after his wife’s job moved from Illinois to Greenville.

“I miss my family,” Brandt said. “I miss my friends. I’m a stranger in a strange land down here.”

After making his rounds, he stepped out on the deck of the second floor. The ember of his cigarette glowed cherry red against the cloudless deep-blue morning sky. The first golden beams of daylight crept over the roof of the building and spilled onto the campus.

Joe Smith, a co-worker, joined Micah to smoke. Smith talked about how much he loves his children. Brandt talked about how he and his wife of five years, Laura, are thinking of adoption. The couple have tried in vitro fertilization twice but haven’t been able to conceive.

Joe thinks they should go for it. He said they will make really good parents.

“I don’t have anyone else down here I’d call a friend except Joe,” Brandt said.

“A Thousand Words” is a weekly photo essay that tells untold stories on the edges of campus.