A Hint Of Truth

As Kate took her first bite out of one of the freshly baked cookies, she felt a relaxing sensation permeate her. She thought she could detect a slight tingle on her lips as she leaned her youthful body against the kitchen counter and peered at the row of glass jars on the shelf above the stove.

"Those are so pretty," she noted with a sleepy sense of wonderment.

"Yes, I cook so frequently, it's often hard to keep them full like that," the older woman replied. "But I really like how the contrast in colors and textures feels more . . . overwhelming when they are."

"What is that empty one for?" the girl asked.

"Empty one? Oh, that one isn't empty. That's where I keep my cooking xenon."

Kate looked down questionably at the half eaten cookie in her hand as the woman turned towards her.

"You're not allergic to xenon gas, are you?"