Kas squinted in the sudden light. “So, your friend was correct? There were people looking for me?”
“Yeah. Government types. They said they were from the NSA, but I'm not sure. Could have been a cover. It doesn't matter. They were after you because there was a huge electrical discharge in the sky directly above where you arrived, at the same time as your arrival.”
“A discharge of your science electricity?” He waved at the light.
“Yeah. Like lightning. Except five times stronger.”
“Like lightning.” Kas nodded as he stood up. “That would be the rift.”
“I figured.” I looked at the television and scowled. “Are you watching the fuckingKardashians? Aw, fuck me. You should not be watching this.”
“I don't want to!” He scowled at the screen with me. “These people are the most vain, frivolous, ridiculous group of lunatics I have ever seen. But I can't stop watching them. I fear it's more of your science magic at work.”
I snorted a laugh, the anxiety that had been riding me melting away. “You and millions of other people. They kind of disgust me.” I turned off the television.
“Thank you for doing what I could not.”
“No problem. I have experience with shows like that. You'll grow immune to it.”
“One of those women has a home that is five times the size of this one, and yet it has the same amount of furniture in it.”
“That's called minimalism.” I headed back into the kitchen. “This is a little late, but let me give you a tour of the shack.”
“I've looked around. I think I've figured out the purpose of each room. Your bedroom is rather bare. Or is there a reason you put the mattress on the floor?”
I made a huffing sound. “I did tell you this place is a dump, right? I'm fixing it up so there are only the bare necessities here.”
“Yes, I understand.” He stepped into the kitchen.
The room got even smaller with Kaspian inside it.
“You want a drink?” I opened the fridge and grabbed a Coke.
“Yes, thank you.”
I handed him the one in my hand and got another for myself. He stared at the can.
“Like this.” I opened mine.
Kas flinched at the cracking sound, but then followed my lead and opened his can. “Very interesting.” He peered at the opening, then cocked his head. “This beverage is making noise.”
“That's the carbonation. It's bubbly. You'll understand after you take a sip. Just be careful. Don't take too much or it will burn your throat.”
He rolled his eyes at me. “I can't be burned.”
Before I could explain, Kas took a swig. Then he gasped, his free hand going to his throat. I laughed like a donkey—braying and hee-hawing as I leaned onto a counter to keep myself from doubling over.
Kaspian recovered and glared at me.
“I warned you!” I pointed at him, then laughed harder.
“I do not like carbonation.” He set the Coke down.
“Aw, come on. Give it another try. Just don't gulp it this time. The flavor was good, wasn't it?”
He pressed his lips together.
“Yeah, it was,” I cajoled.
