“Conservatism for me,” Stephen continues, totally ignoring my outburst, “is really about keeping the balance of society. I think you need both, the left and the right. My parents went so far left, they won’t vote for anyone in the Republican party and their views have become quite extreme. I definitely think that’s influenced me leaning more to the right. For God’s sake, they’re vegans. No one in their right mind should be a vegan. It biologically makes no sense.”

“I’m with you there, buddy,” I say, raising my glass of water. “I’ll never give up bacon. Hey, we actually agree on something. Cheers to that!” I chug the water down in one swallow and then burp again. I try to cover my mouth, but the belch comes out too quickly.

“It’s funny to hear you say that,” Connor chimes in, also ignoring me, “because my family is just the opposite. My parents are both conservative and I’m as liberal as they come. I’m from Vermont, but they’re originally from Montana and still have a ranch there. I’m an only child and spent a lot of time alone in the woods growing up. Nature has a way of teaching you about life. Everything you could ever want to learn is there: the importance of balance, the interconnectedness of everything, and the value of all living things. It’s all precious, a miracle of existence. That’s why I’m a big believer in a colorblind society. I truly believe we’re all equal.”

“Pfff,” I respond sarcastically. When everyone looks at me in disappointment, I apologize and say I was just clearing my throat. I drink more water and then stick out my tongue and say, “Look, I swallowed all the bullshit from tonight. All gone.” I chuckle loudly to myself. “Oh hey, want to see something cool?” I continue. “Watch this!” I clap my hands three times and Connor starts clucking. I keel over in laughter.

“Damnit, Echo!” Connor exclaims. “I was hypnotized freshman year. This is still a side effect,” he says, shaking his head in dismay. “I’ve seen other hypnotists to try and get rid of it, but no luck.”

“Echo,” Professor Alexander-Grant cuts in, “why don’t you tell our guest a little about yourself.”

“Yes.” The journalist nods affirmatively. “Where are you from and where do you think your political beliefs came from?”

I am offended by the question. It presses on the pain button in the center of my chest I’m trying to drink away.

“How dare you ask me such a question,” I respond. “Where am I from? I’m from the sky, bitch. From way up. Ever been there? In fact, I’m a Chosen One, a rare and endangered species.”