The children don't understand.The sweets they pine for are not squeezed from the machine with stripes intact. No—they must be painted on, by hand, with so much care. It is almost unimaginable, the ... [+]
"Oh, Geoffrey! Good. You're finally home. Just put it all on the kitchen table. Were you able to get everything I wanted for the party?""Yes, ma'am.""It's just that it's so late, did you run into any tr—Aaahhhh!! Geoffrey! What's happened to you?""I encountered some difficulties, ma'am. At the baker's, and again on my way home.""You're filthy. Dirt, everywhere, and . . . vegetable oil? Grease? And what's all that red splatter . . . that's not blood, is it? Are you feeling quite alright, Geoffrey?""Before my departure, I ran a complete diagnostic, as per regulations. I am operating under normal