[ And that’s impressive. For someone pulled out of a club by an unseen force, Monika’s got a cool head – maybe too chipper, but whatever helps her cope. If this teleportation sticks, he could do worse than someone young, reasonably fit, and not cowering in terror. He can work with this. ]

No, you’re right. I don’t think it’s a coincidence, but nobody's had an answer for what caused it.

[ Despite her rational approach – he gives her a smile and a nod at the unharmed observation – Tim decides against furthering her stress with a full analysis involving magic, mind control, and boomtubes.

Instead, he pushes the smile wider and offers her his hand. His voice is full of good-natured humor. Tim always meets people in the worst circumstances. ]

And I’m Al. It’s nice to meet you too, Monika, but I wish it wasn’t here. I hear the yellow brick road's more scenic.

[ He wants to check the road out, and he had wanted to do it alone. However, he can’t stand the idea of ditching her. ]