Entering the kitchen, she’d felt relieved to see Maggie was fine and nobody was hurt, and now as she approached the vegetable garden she waved at Laura and Bob, working side by side. Maggie was already there, leaning on the fence.

“Bad news,” she said to Polly. “Those that gave their lives gave completely, and are not edible. Those that survived are to be left on the vine to recover, says their father.”

“I’m not their father,” said Bob mildly. “That would be God. Or something. I am merely their servant.” He was pulling on what was left of a tomato plant, and it came out, showering him with dirt. “And their executioner, when necessary.” He tossed the plant into a green trash can that stood nearby.

Maggie sighed. “Well, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I do not feel like cooking now. We had pizza the other night . . . I vote burgers.”

“Seconded,” said Polly instantaneously. “I will even volunteer to go pick them up, such is my sudden desire for a chocolate milkshake.”

“I’ll go with you,” said Asher, calling from the upper patio. “I’ll put my shoes on, you gather everyone’s orders.” He turned to go back inside, presumably for his shoes.

“OK, bossy boots,” muttered Polly, but she turned to the others as she pulled out her phone and looked for her notes app. “Orders, please?”

“Veggie burger with cheese for me,” said Laura, “and a chocolate malted, if they have one.” She paused. “And fries.”

“Large or small?” asked Polly, her finger poised above the screen like a waitress holds her pencil.

“Large shake, small fries.” Laura blushed a little. “I’m going to work it off tomorrow, I promise.”

Polly looked at her curiously. “You don’t have to caveat self-care, you know. You’re allowed to nourish yourself.” Having delivered this statement, Polly turned to Maggie. “And for madam? Something highly caloric and bad for your arteries?”

“Yes, definitely. Bacon cheeseburger with caramelized onions, large strawberry shake, no fries.” Maggie cheered up. “I love a strawberry shake.”

“And finally, Bob?” asked Polly. “Or has the death and devastation of your little minions put you off?”

“Nope,” said Bob. “I’ll also have a bacon cheeseburger, no shake, onion rings.”

“Wait,” said Laura. “They have onion rings?” She frowned. “Are they proper onion rings or are they the ones where you take a bite and the whole onion circle slides out and leaves you with a batter husk?”

They all stared at her.

“Sorry,” she said. “I like onion rings.”

“You can share mine,” said Bob. “We can do a fry–onion ring exchange.”

“Great,” said Laura. “We can eat while we fill out your paperwork.” She headed to the gate. “Come on, we can do most of it online.”

Bob stared after her. Maggie raised her eyebrows. “What paperwork?”

Laura turned and kept walking backward, demonstrating her skills. “Bob’s applying to grad school.”