I twist around, throwing some dirt with my oar in the process. It hits Zarar across the knees.

Oof. I moved too quickly. I let go of the oar and grip the sides of my head, trying to press the angry tendrils of pain away. “Hey, teach,” I grumble. “How’s it cracking?”

Zarar pads over and takes a seat on the plank across from me.

“You’re not supposed to touch the canoes.”

I look up at him, one hand still on my head. Where I expect to find a smug expression, all I see is concern. He’s in a dark sweatshirt with the Rediscover Yourself logo imprinted across it.

“Do you have any siblings?” I ask.

He blinks. “Yes, and in all seriousness, your canoe privileges are suspended.”

I drop my hand and look him straight in the eyes. He’s so calm, and unusually self-assured for someone who asked me out a couple of hours ago and got bluntly rejected.

“I was also serious about your eyes yesterday,” he says quietly.

I sit back. “How many times do you plan to hit on me this week? It’s fine, I just want to be prepared.”

Zarar shrugs. “I like you.”

I study him. “What kind of siblings do you have, Zarar?”

“I have an older brother. Are you upset?” he asks, tilting his head suddenly.

I blink a couple of times and stretch my jaw up and down to loosen my face. “No.”

“You’re upset,” he says.

“I’m great,” I insist.

“How are you feeling?”

“Great!” I blow out a breath. “What’s up with you, Zarar? What’s your deal, why do you work here? Why do you smell like the color green? Feel free to answer chronologically.”

Zarar relaxes his posture. “I’m an accountant, but I’ve been trying out a bunch of new career paths, not sure what will stick. I’m looking for my passion. I don’t know … I’ve been around trees a lot? I don’t think you’re okay. Does it have to do with Siri?”

I narrow my eyes at him.

“Are you two twins?” He continues, “I didn’t catch the resemblance until today, seeing both your hair slicked back away from your faces.”

I stand up.

“You’re not supposed to stand in the canoe,” he says.

I sit back down. “If I ever get my hands on some paint I’m making this a Bucket. You can teach Bucketing. Ask your students to choose and mount their Buckets. You’re gonna have to print new pamphlets, A Guide to Bucket Safety.”

Zarar’s concerned expression doesn’t waver. He holds my eyes. I swallow and stare back, my smile melting after a few seconds of silence.

“Zarar, Siri and I haven’t seen each—”