Page 109 of Override

I stare at the screen. Then laugh.

Me:

That's ridiculous.

Taibhse:

That's what I said.

Me:

What was the actual explanation?

Several seconds pass.

Taibhse:

The neighbor really liked lawnmowers.

A real laugh gets out before I even try to stop it. The kind I haven't heard from myself much lately.

Me:

You're making this up.

Taibhse:

I wish I was.

I grin. The next message appears before I can respond.

Taibhse:

Your turn.

My brow furrows.

Me:

My turn what?

Taibhse:

Tell me something interesting.

I stare at the screen. Then out across the grounds. Then back down again.

Me:

I got banned from the kitchen when I was eight.

The response appears before I've even set the phone down.

Taibhse:

That feels like a story.

A smile tugs at my mouth.