He felt his eyes go wide again. He letthem, because he wanted his expression to be as blank as he felt. "Idon't know how."Engral shook his head, still...blinking. "Interesting."Before Alex could say another word, Engral swept him up in his arms andplaced him on the table again, tapping his nose before he left. "Stay."Alex crossed his arms and let the doll go into a pout, even helping itflood its eyes with anger. "I'm not a dog!"Engral was studying the viewer, barely paying him any attention. With. I'm sorry, Chris, never mind." I was so angry it was all I could do to walk away before I said something I'd regret."Kate, wait a minute. Lisa, I don't want to get in the middle of you two, but you've been acting like you're chewing on tinfoil since you got back from vacation. I'd like to help Kate if I can, assuming it doesn't cause a problem between us."Mom was glaring at me with pinched lips. "I don't want you to get dragged into our family drama." Are you afraid I'll think less of you. Not every show wassold out, and while that fact inserted itself within my mind, clawingat my self-doubt, I was still living my dream. I was making music thatI cared about, and millions of people were listening to my message. Iasked Am?lie to track the trends, as she had done when the Prophecy wasnearing the point of fulfilment. She reported back the ratings haddropped on many of the most mind-numbing, fog-inducing televisionshows. Website hits were down for hundreds of celebrity gossip. He checked his breath—satisfactory—and stood. He checked what he was wearing: a plain white t-shirt and gray sweatpants. Zaria had requested that he wear something comfortable, convenient, and he'd done just that. He'd even neglected to pull on a pair of boxers. He imagined what she would wear. He approached the door, letting his hand fall upon the knob. He inhaled deeply, and exhaled, twisting the knob and pulling the door open. "Hey there," Zaria said, a sly grin stretching her.