The calico cat and white rat had bee-lined for the cosy alleyside room and Harmi's granddaughter the second the Blonde had stepped into the cafe, relishing the warmth and the bowl of tuna salad left uncovered on the counter. Lazlo had carelessly left the door to apartment opened at the top of the stairs. Schrodinger's cat, quietly slipped out the cracked door, unobserved and unmeasured in amidst the the noise and distraction. From the very top step, he made a quantum leap and landed next to Harmi's granddaughter.

Harmi's granddaughter, unfazed, looked at him and remarked, "'Is you is, or is you ain't?' It don't matter. Have some tuna."

The rat looked apprehensive. The calico ignored him.

Out in the main dining area, Blake awkwardly patted the top of his mother's head, (he couldn't stand to see a woman cry,) but didn't hesitate to take the opportunity to edge away from her. Encounters with Mom always were awkward and unwelcomed - or not. A paradox.

Blake didn't like paradoxes.

he also didn't like accordions.