I pushed the door open smoothly and walked into class with a smile. Sam said hi to me, and so did Taylor and Anika. Jeanie and Marina waved me over.

“We saved you a seat,” said Jeanie.

“Thanks!”

We chatted until class started, and when Ms. Gallo called us all to order, the first item was to discuss our next assignment.

“I want you all to write about something with unexpected flavors or pairings or combinations. Something where you’re outside of your comfort zone, trying things that you might not usually eat or that might gross you out normally. I want you to work to find language that can express flavors and textures without necessarily labeling them as good or bad. Does anyone have any ideas?”

Jeanie’s hand shot up, the only one to do so.

“Yes, Jeanie?” said Ms. Gallo with a smile.

“Allie’s mom owns Molly’s Ice Cream shop.…”

Sixteen heads swiveled to gape at me. I smiled and nodded and looked at Ms. Gallo, who was also surprised but appeared pleased.

“I’ve tried some really wacky stuff there this year, like balsamic vinegar and strawberry ice cream—” Jeanie continued.

“Oh, I had that! It was insane!” interrupted Sam.

“Me too! Crazy good!” agreed Anika.

The class started chattering among themselves, and Ms. Gallo let it go for a minute.

Then she called us all to order again. “What we need is a class field trip. Each student will try a different flavor—ideally one outside your comfort zone—and write a short, two-hundred-and-fifty-word piece about it. How does a visit to Molly’s next Thursday after class sound? The class fee will cover it, so you don’t have to worry about money or transportation, okay?”

We all agreed we could go, and then Ms. Gallo began a new topic, talking about distaste, and I glanced at Jeanie and smiled. “Thanks,” I mouthed to her.

She grinned and nodded in reply. Then she leaned over and whispered, “Can you do Crispy Chicken again tonight? I’m dying to go back!”

I grimaced. “Talk at the break,” I replied, and she nodded.

We split into groups to workshop one another’s pieces for that day, and Anika and Sam were in my group. Neither of them had been to Crispy Chicken yet, but they said that after my piece, they were definitely going ASAP! I took that as a compliment, even as I made a note of some critiques they’d had (I’d used the word “crisp” too much), taking the criticism better this time than last. Probably because I felt more comfortable with them all now.

By the break, I was sure I’d have heard back from Colin.

But I hadn’t.

Jeanie and Marina chattered on about their kimchi craving, while I sat silently, refreshing my phone.

“Is everything all right?” asked Marina kindly.