T minus 10

The staunch wire frame shopping cart cradles Omnician Jonas as a wicker-white bassinet might cradle an innocent, rosy-cheeked newborn. Four caster wheels press against gray asphalt, motionless. Ryan stands erect, his muscular hands tightly gripping the smooth plastic handle of the pushcart. Behind, parallel to the vertical plane of Ryan's spine and buttocks, one single brick-hewn wall of Stop 'N Shop looks on with curiosity, concealing within so many neatly arranged aisles of imported salami, low-sodium soups, broccoflour, and tiny, tiny chewable candies. Josh holds the camera and Dan stands off to one side. When Jonas declares himself prepared, Ryan pushes the cart full speed toward the Omni's left rear door.