“
Ted rasped his tongue over his upper teeth. “Is Haley home yet?” He found he had a strong compulsion to blink. “No, nope, she’s not,” replied the speaker mechanism in the computerized bed. “Would you like a cup of coffee-like cereal beverage or perhaps some nice warm soymilk?” Ted kept blinking, rubbing at his eyes. “What the hell did you spray in my eyes instead of antipollution mist?” “Golly, I’m not sure. Could it have been, maybe, protein-rich hair conditioner? I’m doing my best, but I really do need a tuneup. You haven’t had a house mechanic in for a long time, you know.” “We’re on the damn waiting list. They can’t come till April 22, 2021. Next year.
”
”