Despite the statement and the subsequent agreement, Nigredo took the drink back and continued his slow sips, each portion growing subsequently larger than the last. When he spoke again, half of the can was gone. It was an accomplishment for someone who typically disliked sweet things.

"Albedo," he started, sounding slightly disoriented, "if we're still here tomorrow, do you want my things? I don't care what you do with them." It would keep a section of last night from occurring a second time.