The Lambert House, Planet Denver

[Manticore]

James sat in the kitchen, still wearing his work clothes. They were stained green in several places. He sat at the table, facing away from Pita's room, and was gazing out the window at the side yard with oddly intent focus.

It was getting late and the light outside was fading, bathing the kitchen in ever-growing shadow. The glass of juice in James' hand glistened with condensation that reflected a length of time spent at the table.

Pita made a bit of noise as she stepped into the room, and he whirled to face her, his features softening into a smile as he realized who it was.

"Hey there, look who decided to wake up."

He paused a moment, then added, "How about that dinner? Anything in particular sound good?"

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