"Uh, no," says Ratchet, covering his mouth, only half intelligible through a mouthful of food. He looks away, finishing chewing before continuing. "Er, only about a month, I mean. I haven't been that good of roommate to be honest...we've only talked a little. I probably should have gone out of my way a little more...I know he's been having a hard time."

It was surreal now, to be talking to Asriel's mother. Actually it was weird to be talking to anyone's mother. Parents or their children, but rarely bother came through the Ingress. What were the odds?