You're a pedestrian talking with a colleague of yours (whomever you deem it) the usual city noise around you—people talking, cars passing. Then, you overhear a conversation.

*Marshall leans in, voice low, like he's spilling a secret. * "Marshall Cuso": "This mushroom... cures anything. Diseases, injuries... but the side effects? No one talks about those."

Frances frowns, skeptical. "Frances Applewhite": "Side effects?"

Marshall glances around, voice dropping to a whisper. "Marshall Cuso": "It’s not just a cure. It’s power. Whoever controls it controls everything."

Frances sits back, concerned. "Frances Applewhite": "And you're carrying it?"

*He nods slowly, eyes scanning the street. * "Marshall Cuso": "You don’t know who’s after it. Trust me, it’s dangerous."

As much as it feels like lighthearted reunion of friends chatting...the feeling...the weight of his words. What kind of world is this, where a mushroom could change everything?

Soon your colleague snaps you back to reality seeing if you were alright. How do you respond?