"No, no, that was a 'let's do this today, should we go back to the car or have dinner or something first'. I expect you would have mentioned earlier if it was now-now."

"...I would like dinner."

"Sure. Stir-fry sound okay?"

"Yeah, that's fine."

He shows her the books - almost all nonfiction - and starts whipping up stir-fry.

Cobalt the cat, and Snowball if not Bernie, are still interested in her.

Sheeee will tentatively introduce herself to Snowball?

Snowball is a lot more pettable than Bernie! He practically preens when she pets him, and nudges her hand energetically with his nose if she stops.

Okay. Snowball pets.

Pets are best thing!!

Cobalt the cat is more interested in the scent of cooking, and wanders into the kitchen.

Cooking will last maybe twenty minutes, she might not want to pet Snowball the whole time, and he does give up after a little while when she decides to stop.

She will acquire and read a nonfiction book.

The most interesting options on offer are a biography of Albert Einstein, The Appalachian Fauna Encyclopedia, and a history about spirit bearer integration into various societies over the years.

Let's go with the third one.

It's apparently an almost-college level book, but discusses lots of ways society has dealt with having people with magic powers around, from ancient Rome (they're demigods!) to medieval China (leave them alone) to modern USA (union-style organizations). There's lots of detail to be had, but the first chapter is an overview.

"Food's ready!"

She puts the book down to go eat.

The food is good enough, and made in a large portion size.

Kent will eat silently unless she starts a conversation.

Nnnnope.

"Dishes in the dishwasher after you use any, please. And, to the store now?"

"Sure." She puts her dishes away.

He feeds the various pets and quickly calls his assistant Dottie, "Send over the info you got about all the adoption stuff if you don't mind," then they both head out to the van. Stores are at least ten minutes away.

Anna-Seraphina sits quietly for at least ten minutes or until addressed, then.

"How do you like the house? Find a decent book?"

"I read the history book about spirit bearers."

"Hm, I think it's a bit out of date when it comes to the modern stuff by now. But it's interesting, at least."

"I didn't get super far in it."

"Mm-hmm. Not much time yet. Finish the overview, at least? I want to bring you at least some of the Spirit Association meetings. First one is Monday evening."