He turned around and walked back to the stainless steel water fountain without another word.

At noon on Monday, the elementary cafeteria smelled of roast turkey, hot green beans, and warm buttered rolls.

I stood behind the stainless steel serving counter in a clean white apron and a blue hairnet.

The line of second graders came through the double doors holding their plastic trays tight against their chests.

Lily was near the front of the line, her feet swinging as she stepped up to the sneeze guard.

“Is that real turkey gravy today, Mom?” she asked, looking up at the big silver ladle in my right hand.