"Me," Aggie says. She nods firmly to Moe and then hops up on the cushioned table, thinking idly that it's just like going to the doctor to get her shots. Fixing Krem with a big grin that makes her look tougher than she feels, she sits still and takes a deep breath.

"Okay." Mo picks up her first needle and lets it press against Aggie earlobe. "Nice deep breath. One...two...three." The needle pushes through as Aggie exhales and her eyes pop wide open, more surprised than alarmed or upset.