The trip went somehow smoother than he had expected. He scanned shelves idly for non-perishables that appealed to him, trying to broaden his spectrum beyond over-processed pork. Pig, for his part was quiet and direct. Tillman didn't care what he put in the cart, just noted it for the next trip.

The cashier was surprised to see him with food beyond his usual fare-- canned soup and lunch meat and a bag of apples, peanut butter and jelly and potato chips. She made a joke, something idle and dull, and Tillman managed a weak, sociable smile as he handed over his money. Her answering smile had been knowing. Tillman didn't know what to make of it. It irked him a bit.

"Yeah?" The speculation was forgotten as he shifted his focus.