Sue Storm Becomes More Airheaded

"Mrs. Richards," H.E.R.B.I.E. said. "The utilities bills must be paid or late charges will apply."

"Whoopsie," Sue said as she poured herself a small glass of milk. It was the last swallow in the bottle. "Didn't I take care of that, like, yesterday?"

"You did not. You have stated an intent to see to it for the past three days. I have been set as a reminder," H.E.R.B.I.E. said. He set a small metal manipulator over the top of the glass. "Please pay the bills before consuming your milk."

"Fiiiine," Sue sighed. She stood and walked over to the communications station. Her left leg no longer ached, and the Invisible Woman had found herself able to resume her normal workout routine. The heroine was sure Porkum's milk had helped. She licked her lips. It would soon be time to get more.

The week had sort of flown by in a haze. Sue had hardly noticed the time pass. Things caught her attention, and she would shift from one task to the next, often leaving things half-done, or forgetting to do things she had intended to as she got caught up in something else. H.E.R.B.I.E. had become her constant reminder system, to ensure that she finished the important things, like putting the laundry in the dryer or taking the food out of the oven before it burned.

Ten boring minutes sorted out the payment of bills. There were a hundred emails that blinked at her from the Fantastic Four's inbox, but Sue had enough of work. She reached out a hand, and H.E.R.B.I.E. released the glass. An invisible tray carried the glass over to her.

Porkum's milk was a little better warm. It was sticky. Sue had to lick her teeth and lips. She could feel it run down her throat, leaving a slimy little trail down her esophagus that made her thirstier.

She leaned back and enjoyed her milk. Not thinking of anything for a few minutes. Just...existing.

"Mrs. Richards," H.E.R.B.I.E. interrupted.

"What!?" Sue said, as the electronic voice knocked her out of her reverie.

"You are now out of milk. You instructed me to inform you when this occurred, so that you could secure more."

Sue blinked. That's right. She had to call Porkum. She looked about, but the small robot brought her the smartphone Sue had used last time. From wherever Sue had left it.

Porkum picked up on the third ring.

"Heeeey," Sue said.

"Hey yourself," Porkum said, his breathy voice oddly upbeat. "Need a refill? You know the price."

Sue Storm giggled to herself. It wasn't that funny, but somehow she found it so funny. Her stomach felt so light and fuzzy.

"I'll put on fresh lipstick!" she promised.