Daisy was outlining a paper star with a worn red crayon, while Martha smoothed a folded paper notice against the tabletop.

Nathaniel stopped at the edge of the booth and set his leather work gloves on the Formica edge.

“Mind if I sit for a minute, Martha?” Nathaniel asked.

Martha pulled the paper notice back into her coat pocket, her arm moving defensively.

“We’re paying customers, Mr.

Whitmore,” Martha said.

“I ordered tea and a plate of pancakes.”

“I’m not here about the diner,” Nathaniel said.