With John having to stay late and not being able to bring dinner home, at a timely hour... he decided it was best to try and avoid the 'dog house' by bringing Lyn something special. The idea for this hit me Monday afternoon when I was watching some television and a character was opposed to the idea of guys bringing them candy and flowers. I realized that wouldn't be the items John would need to purchase. Partly since Lyn likely shouldn't be eating chocolates... I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've put the new version of Jamal in the comic since he was redesigned in June. I've had instances where I thought I'd add him to strips, but I always decided against it. I pretty much had to for this strip... And to show how he's not been used much-- He's not clued into the fact that John and Lyn are a thing.