[At least we won't have a ton of time to worry,] responds Anthony, mentally sighing.

[Speak for yourself, I can multitask worrying and cleaning.]

[Try doing that while talking to people. Telepathically. And trying to hold regular conversations too.]

[Look me in the eye and tell me you do not find a way to worry amidst all that.]

[Maybe I'm just really bad at multitasking.] Mental sigh. [Or maybe I do worry.]

[It's almost like I know you or something.]

[Shocker, that.]

He smiles. [I should start doing stuff.]

[Same.]

"See you guys later," he says, and then he goes to clear up his bowl.

"Later."

"Bye."

She gets up and moves on to do her own Activities.

To the kitchen with Anthony.

It's not that bad, actually – possibly one of the better of the shifts. He always liked cooking with his mom.

The Monitors still breathe down their necks, though, making sure they won't make any mistakes. Today's Monitor is one of the ones who likes hitting people with a spoon when they do and electrocuting them if they backchat.

Anthony doesn't backchat! Anthony is used to having conversations in his head, he can just have conversations in which he tells the Monitor to shove off, without ever actually saying it to the Monitor! (Of course, it's less satisfying with a pretend Monitor in his head, but still.)

Yes, the Monitor knows that Anthony is an angel, everyone knows that Anthony is an angel, everyone loves Anthony.

… Anthony tries hard to be nice? (As usual.)

Of course he does.

(Sigh.)

He gets a ping.

[Anthony speaking.]

(Duh.)

[Delivery truck will be here at eleven thirty-six sharp.]

[Do I need to do anything when it arrives?]

[Just do your thing, coordinate stuff, it's all gonna work out.]

[Got it.]

[Thanks for all your help, man.]