We all line up to get our life jackets, and then the staff sets out helping the kids get theirs on. I mean, they’re pretty simple to maneuver, but the kids stand there sticking their arms through the wrong holes and flopping their limbs around like they can’t remember how to use them. It takes just shy of an hour to get everyone suited up, and then Georgette comes by to do a quick safety check before everyone can head to their respective boats.

The water’s calm, but the whole thing still seems kind of daunting. I mean, if we tip, it’s fucking freezing out there, but there are several trained lifeguards on staff, and we’re each taking out double kayaks in groups so none of the kids are ever left unattended.

The kid I’m deploying with first is named Chad, who talks in his sleep and drools on his pillow. As we slip into the boat, he’s already rocking it, excitement coursing through his limbs and into the only thing keeping us from going under.

We take the paddles, and Chad’s about ready to turn us in circles. I try to keep my cool as I say, “Let’s do this together, okay?” But I’m pretty sure he’s not listening.

Devin’s already heading out into the lake, Cooper helping to guide the boat. He and Devin cruise across the water smoothly, and Devin shoots me a quick smile as they slip ahead of us.

I sigh, dipping my paddle into the water and gently easing us out. Chad dunks his right in too and starts making spitting sounds with his mouth like some dying fish.

By the time we make it back to shore, I’m cold, I’m wet, and I’m eager to sell my eggs to science.

Devin helps me out of the kayak, and I almost stumble into xem.

“You wanna help me with lunch?” xe asks.

I spare one quick glance at Chad and nod my head hurriedly. I don’t know who’s taking the rest of the kids out, and quite frankly, I don’t care. Anything to get me out of the cold sounds like the perfect idea.

We make our way into the little cafeteria. It’s small enough that our group will barely fit, but it’s not really my problem. Devin takes me back into the kitchen, which is mostly just a fancy word for “room with the massive refrigerator.” We pull out trays of food and lay them on the tables. Devin does this little twirl as xe balances one tray flat on xyr palm before sliding it onto the table with a soft whooshing sound.

“We just have to heat them and set them out,” Devin explains.