“It seems an inequitable distribution of happiness,” said Murray.

“Only because of the outcome in your situation,” said Pandora, “Think about it. If you could have restored your size before she could eat you, you’d have kissed her for as long as she’d have you, which I’m sure would have been the rest of her days. You’d have gotten everything you wanted, and would be forever taking her ultimate dream goal away from her, just by making it impossible for her to go ahead and eat you, once you’d restored your size. But the dice have fallen differently, and she will be taking your ultimate dream goal away from you, eventually. But at least she’ll be giving you two weeks of having that goal fulfilled, plus the night you had with her before she moved away from Ireland. Your preferred outcome would have denied her dream entirely, but she’d have had to live with it. As it is, you’ll have to be the one to put on a brave face.”

“I can’t seem to think of any way to argue with that analysis of the situation,” said Murray, “She’s had it her way in the second timeline, until I time travelled out of her throat....”

“What is it?” asked Pandora.

“Thank you so much for talking to me. Believe me, that your friendly conversation has helped me just as much as its helped her. I know how to cope with this situation now. You’ve really helped me to gain a new perspective on the whole scenario,” said Murray.

“That is my pleasure,” said Pandora.

They heard the kettle click off, as it finished boiling the water. Trudi came back with some herbal tea bags, placed one in a cup and filled it with water. She swung the dangling tea bag around in the water, using the tea bag to stir its flavoured emissions into the water, and then pulled the bag out and set it down on a saucer. She raised the cup to her lips and sipped. As she lowered the cup to the table again, Murray looked up and saw the tip of her tongue come out a little way and hold that position for around half a minute, while Pandora was telling her something about Bob Worth’s next directing assignment.

“Well I’d better be getting home to him,” said Pandora at last, “It’s been lovely to meet you, Murray. I don’t suppose we’ll touch base again before Trudi gobbles you down, but I wish you all the best in the meantime. I’ll be off, then.”

Trudi showed Pandora to the door, and then took Murray to the living room couch and settled down on it with him.

“Did you like her?” asked Trudi.

“Yes, she was very friendly, very talkative, and I can see how she helped you through the loneliness while we were apart. As a matter of fact, she even helped me to gain a significantly better understanding of this situation,” said Murray.

“I’d like to hear it,” said Trudi.