“So what’s your favorite molecule?” Allene countered. “One three seven trimethylxanthine.” Allene nodded in acknowledgment. Jasper waited for the punch line, but neither said a word. The parts of the formula were familiar to him, but Allene had always outshone him in her pure love of the subject. “What is it?” Jasper finally asked. They both looked at him like he was a simpleton. Allene whispered, “Caffeine. The man likes his coffee.”
