I tried not to think too hard about the implications of someone so stereotypically American hanging around a place where America doesn't EXIST. If this is, in fact, the world of a video game as I suspect, chances are what I was seeing was a localization issue. Though it wouldn't explain the costume design... come to think of it, how was *I* being understood, or understanding people? Perhaps it's best if I don't think about it too hard.

I did nod to her, though. And Thomas spoke the magic words, which was an added bonus. A cafe where I didn't have to pay? Someone up there was finally rewarding me for my toils. "Thanks, I appreciate that," I said. I watched him feeding the horse. "A favorite of yours?" I asked.