The Wake-Up Call

Grabbing trays, they eyed the limited selection in the nearly empty serving containers. “I’ll have filet mignon,” Robin announced, grinning at the student on the serving line.

The server obviously appreciated the bit of humor so near the end of her shift. “Well, Ma’am. It just happens that we’re plumb out of filets tonight. Can I interest you in what’s left of the chicken tetrazzini? To go with that, we have wilted salad and overcooked peas and carrots.”

Robin shrugged. “Whatever you have left, just give me lots of it. I’m hungry enough to eat almost anything.”

“I would have thought the school would have healthy food,” Katie commented. “There’s more sauce than chicken, and the vegetables are swimming in grease. They could do with my Mom in the kitchen. She’s absolutely the best cook. You need to taste her cornbread and stew.”

“If this is what we get to eat all the time,” complained Frannie, “I’ll turn into a blimp and none of my clothes will fit.”

“Or, maybe you’ll just waste away to nothing,” Robin muttered.

They pushed their trays down the line toward the desserts. “Jell-O.” snarled Robin. Can you believe that’s the only dessert left? I hate Jell-O.”