salt, pepper, and garlic powder to get some delicious meat. Serve it with a local brew, ya get a fantastic feelin’. And who doesn’t like to drink the day away? What in God’s name are you talkin—” Xavier Asshole he/him “Why am I wasting my time with this? Well, I’d have to say I’ve been enjoying seafood recently. One of my favorite chefs served me roasted salmon with roe, and it was a delight. Have you ever had a nice dish like that before? No, I didn’t think so. Why would I drink anything other than water and wine? That seems like a waste of perfectly good taste buds. I’m sure you end up drinking a lot of soda though. Utterly disgustin—” John he/him “I honestly don’t remember. I’m just happy when I get to see a meal in front of me.” “If you could have anything right now though, what would it be?” “If I had to say, it would probably be soup.” “Okay, uhm, give me just a bit, and hold onto the camera for me.” “Oh, well, alright. I don’t know what the kid’s thinkin, but I assume they’re coming back. My parents used to have this same type of camera back when I was a kid. I haven’t been able to talk to them in a long time. I wonder if they still have those old tapes. I wonder if they still care. “Oh you’re back, here’s your camera.” “Here. It’s from that shop over there.” “Hahaha, you went and got me soup. Bless you, you’re a kind soul. Thank you.” “Uhm, y-you’re welcome. Take care.” PLAINS PARADOX ■ 74