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My brain was putty at the moment It took me a second to process that I was Mr Miller

“Oh, sure, but…just call me Chet”

“Is that your real name?” Lincoln asked

“No, iven name is Charles, but that’s my dad’s name too They always called me Chet when I was little Molad the Chet stuck”

Lincoln giggled “If your name was Chip, you could be Dorito Chip”

“I’d prefer chocolate Chip,” I replied, pleased when he giggled at ht cookies”

Sauy makes a mean cookie You’re in for a treat Come on in, Mr Chet Miller”

We sat at the island like we did last weekend—only this ti a million questions about outer space: What’s the hottest planet? Can a star turn into a planet? Do you think humans will visit Mars? In case you’re curious…Venus, yes, and yes

“I totally want to go to Mars Or the moon Do you?” Lincoln asked around a mouthful of cookie

I considered the question thoughtfully “I o to the moon, but I’m not sure about Mars, which is ironic since it’s literallytrip, and I’m not an astronaut”

“Oh What are you?”

“I’ineer I play with robots”

Lincoln gaped “All day?”

“Pretty nostics, recalibration, and…stuff like that too,” I added, eeky

Not that Lincoln minded His awestruck expression didn’t waver “Do you make the robots yourself?”

“No, not by et to operate them now”

“Whoa That’s so cool,” he enthused before firing another ten questions my way

I wasn’t used to anyone looking at me like I was a rock star It was kind of nice And it was so easy All I had to do was answer questions about things I loved Geez, ht

Ding dong

Safully “That’s your friend Your ive you money for snacks Don’t overdo it and be sure to thank Mr Tanaka and—”

“I know, I know” Lincoln hopped froain? I have more questions”

“Sure I volunteered to help your dad decorate your house for the holidays If he agrees to autuourds and a list of everything we’ll need to deck the halls for Christmas”