[ falco shakes his head and brushes some dirt off the curve between his shoulder and neck. ]

Just chickens. I was going to ask for some help on the [ as much as they’re easy words to say, he says them awkwardly together, as if it was still strange for him to use, ] smart phones, soon. I just need to get organized . . .

[ he gestures to the cottage’s tiny staircase leading to the front door. ]

Do you want a drink? We have juice and soda if you prefer it over water.

[ so far: same polite and seemingly harmless kid. he’s probably even too nice to be here, but aot says the same thing. ]