"You're showing up," Becky stated.
"Okay. Now the mirror," I said.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"But if you are--you know, if you're really a...this could hurt."
"Becky, we don't have all day."
I took off my sunglasses.
"Ready?" she asked, holding the compact.
"Ready."
She opened the compact and pushed it against my nose.
"Ouch!"
"Oh, no!"
"You're not supposed to hit me with it! Give that to me!" I grabbed the compact with trembling hands and stared hard. Nothing--or rather, everything. I was still reflecting. "Try the garlic!" I ordered, tossing the mirror aside.
Becky opened the Tupperware bowl and cut the clove in half.
"Now?" she asked.
"Now."
I could smell the garlic already. She held the clove under my nose. I took a deep whiff. And coughed wildly.
"Are you okay?"
"Man, that's strong! Gross! Put it away!"
"It's fresh--that's why."
"Put it away!" I said.
"I like the smell. It clears my sinuses."
"Well, it's not supposed to relieve me of nasal congestion. It's supposed to send me into a revolting frenzy."
"We have one more shot left."
She opened the leather pouch. "Ready?"
I took a deep breath. "Go for it!"
She pulled out a jeweled cross on a gold chain.
"Wow, that's cool," I said. "It looks very special."
"Does it bother you?"
"Yes, it bothers me. It bothers me that I was so foolish!"