[The break in tension is relief as much for Fay as for Piper, and she smiles faintly. This, she thinks, is what she needs to give the entire city—quite hard to do. But the more she experiences moments like these, the more she learns from the Strangers, the closer she thinks they all move toward a better solution.]

If it gets too weird, you're more than welcome to give him the mental equivalent of a bucket of cold water poured over his head. And if you don't feel comfortable doing that, say the word, and I will.

Kindly, of course.