Chapter 21: Challenge Part 1

"A few Gupples, some Marowines," Pratt places an odd assortment of fruit on my food dispenser, returning to hand me a strand of tiny red beads, "and this one's a Rublie. Reid thought you might like it. Here."

Every night, Pratt has been stopping by long after Leisure Time and dropping off a few pieces of food. She never stays more than a couple minutes, just long enough to deliver the gatherings for the night and comment on at least one menu choice, always careful to make note that Reid selected it or Reid found it or Reid thought I might like it, as if I might forget who he was.

"Go on, try it," she insists, watching as I bring the food to my nose to investigate. "They're high on demand in the Market."

Biting into the red bead, the flavor sings on my tongue. Mostly sweet but a pinch of tartness makes it a delectable combination and just the right amount in that one serving. This is... delicious.