"Rest assured that this is no dream." He said, touching her shoulder, even Irving it a slight squeeze to let her know he was solid and real, and getting up to set his empty bowl and glass in the dishwasher. They found the strange device used far less water than they did when they washed an equal amount of used plates and cutlery, so they'd had it installed.

When he saw she was trying to muscle through the last of her stew, he offered to take it. She need not force herself. In fact, in her fairly wasted state, it was best not to.