Jon and Karyn gaped. Jon looked at Karyn. "This is your great idea...I mean...that was kind of...well...but..."
Karyn was about to respond when the retreating Kiki turned around, and crossed the street instead. "Hello, Jon...Karyn."
"How do you know our names?"
"I know a lot of things," she said, grabbing the stone with a sudden and quick movement. "You see, a new reality is forming, and in it, I am the keeper of the stone," she said, smiling softly.
"Forming?"
"I understand things, but the new reality is not formed to the point that I know everything about what is to come," she said. "I know there is the epicenter," Kiki said, pointing at Jon's house and the porch he'd made the wish on. "This area is like the eye of an expanding storm. It seems calmer, and those inside are partially shielded from the effects..." She gestured. "Let's get inside."
"What about Sarah?"
"I do not concern myself with strays," Kiki said. "She was within earshot of you when you made the wish, although she was likely not paying attention. She will have to deal with things on her own. You, on the other hand, have me."
Jon and Karyn let themselves be urged inside. The attenuated look of everything was really disconcerting. As soon as they got inside, Kiki smiled. "Would you like some refreshments, perhaps?"
Karyn looked at her. "Beg pardon?"
"Well, I'm sure no matter what reality becomes, there will be food in the fridge."
"No, thank you," Jon said.
Kiki shrugged. "We can talk in the living room." They headed toward it and found Zoe on the couch, watching TV.
