Carlton finished gulping down the pleasant-tasting drink, then put the cup back on his stand.
“It would be interesting to analyze the plant’s biochemistry,” he mused, “To see what enzymes it secretes to produce those effects on humans.”
To his surprise, Rebecca began to laugh lightly while regarding him wryly.
“What’s so damned funny about that idea?” Carlton demanded, feeling confused.
“Language, young man!” She shook her finger playfully at him. “That’s one of the behavior rules, by the way, that you’ll be receiving tomorrow–but I won’t punish you ‘ex post facto’ for it now.” She smiled affectionately. “Don’t be offended, honey, but it’s rather amusing to hear a five-year-old boy proposing biochemical analysis of his drink, rather than just reacting to its taste.”