They’ve got minerals and junk.
I really like this one, imaginary readers. And I’m pretty sure my fever broke, so I’m probably not delirious.
I’ve always imagined that Manea would insert herself into Marea’s life more or less at random. I think her crashing Christmas dinner has been mentioned before. She just doesn’t know how to adjust to having another self / daughter / sister maybe. This shopping trip would have been one of Marea’s many concessions.
I also imagine that Marea likes Manea, but as someone who was literally created to be a normal person, she gets put off by stuff like this. But only a little. Like when a family member embarrasses you.
Somehow, it makes perfect sense that Manea would eat bricks.