“What’s in the bag?”

“A Quantum Singularity.”

“Really? Where’s you get it?”

“Corner store. Got a great deal on it.”

“The store on the corner of North and Main?”

“Yup.”

“You get a certificate for it?”

“Nope. Like I said, it was a great deal.”

“So how do you know it’s the real deal?”

“Don’t. But figured it was worth a try.”

“Christ, you’re insane. That could kill you.”

“Aw, it’s not that bad. Those PSAs always exaggerate the danger of everything. Anyway, I’m gonnna open it here in a couple minutes. You wanna try some?”

“Hell no! I’m not a fool. Tell me you’re not going to try it here–you know there’s kids around the building.”

“It’ll be fine. He told me it was totally localized.”

“Shit. Gimme five minutes before you open that thing so I can get the hell away from here.”

“Whatever. See ya.”

“I doubt it.”

Barely made it down the block before I heard the soft pop and knew things had gone badly. Turned back around and saw a chunk of the building just missing. Thank god it looked like it was restricted to his apartment and hadn’t expanded further.

Turned around and kept on walking, the sirens wailing before I even turned the corner.