It's a blown-up battery. Like you can get from actually really really maliciously overcharging a battery.
(I don't know why; she's always watering...er, I mean, coffeering...the plant on her desk.)
Yes, they should be really up and about with all the caffeine. Or sprout coffee beans
Quite a way with words--changing a 'romantic' moment into a sickening moment with your play on the quote about Lois's reaction to Superman's kiss on her cheek.
Are you telling me it *wasn't* meant to be sickening?
As to the dark and gloom...well, I did warn you that the story was a bit tamer than you were imagining.
...
Michael