章 25: Chapter 25: Olde Tymes, Part 1

Katya woke up with a splitting headache and a slight temperature just as Cathy was leaving for work. Cathy handed her a couple of the new over-the-counter pain relievers, Codeinol. This was the brand name of a breakthrough derivative of codeine with the addictive properties of the opiates removed. Mixed with other OTC analgesics, it had been proven safe and effective at reducing pain and fever. It had just received FDA approval. Katya was reluctant because she never took pain relievers, but she didn't want to put a damper on her day with Cyrus, so she swallowed them.

She said good-bye to Cathy, who'd told her to meet Cyrus downstairs for breakfast, and then got dressed. By the time she made her way downstairs, she was feeling a little bit better but still foggy. She learned that Cheryl had gone into work early but was only staying for a few hours.

Cyrus greeted her. "Good morning, Katya. My dad is making us his world-famous pancakes."

"World-famous?" she asked.