[ Erik is obviously not aware of the very specific mental image he's planting in her head. But it's not much unlike what Erik is thinking, when he considers that possibility. He can't think of any telepaths he's met himself that would force him into a situation such as this, but after all that's happened, maybe it wouldn't be the most shocking of things.

He wouldn't mind explaining the whole process to her, even a few other basic things about car maintenance, but at the moment it's not a priority, or at least he doesn't think about it, and she doesn't ask. Changing a tire isn't the hardest thing to do, though, it's only a matter of learning it the first time.

With the nuts tightened into place, Erik gets to his feet, using his weight on the lug to tighten them as firmly as he can manage. He pauses halfway through at her explanation, mouth hanging a little open in surprise. That... is definitely not what he expected to hear. ]

I wouldn't think those people would have anywhere to go. [ If a timeline is terminated, that is— if a universe ceases to exist? Should those people not simply die? ] Do you think it's possible that's the kind of place where we are, now?