That evening, after the sun had set and the city's neon glow painted the sky in shades of pink and gold, Marron sat at the small kitchen table with Mokko and Lucy.
"So," Mokko said, pushing his glasses up his nose. "What's the plan for tomorrow?"
"Rest," Marron said, surprising herself with the word. "The test is at dusk. If I start cooking too early, I'll be exhausted by the time it matters."
"That's... surprisingly wise of you."
Marron shot him a look. "I can be wise."
"I know, I know. It's just usually you're the 'work yourself into the ground' type."
"Well." She glanced at her mother's notebook, still sitting on the table. "Maybe I'm learning. Millie said patience matters. That includes being patient with myself."
Lucy bubbled approvingly. "Smart!"
