Andrew burst into a quick fit of laughter. “How's that possible?” he asked. “You weigh less than Cyan!” He paused, and sighed with exasperation. “Come on, I get you the easiest job in the world and apparently the weight of that responsibility was still too much for your scrawny shoulders!”

“Booooo,” slurred Cyan. “Booo tryhard joke.”

“You're still pissed about that? Jesus. You don't get to craft insults when you're D.D.-ing,” said Max. “Church work isn't work anyway.” He paused and then set down the glass he found himself holding. Sticky alcohol splashed onto his hands. “Also, how is it fair that Andrew gets to do water shots? If I had just water, I'd drink on the stupid fairies question too.” Now that he thought about it, he regretted saying that. He stared at the puddle he'd made on the counter. Outside, the wind and leaves gusted against the glass.

“Alright, guys, this has been fun, but we should go before we make a big enough mess that I'm caught,” said Cyan. She stood up and brushed off her jeans.

“Wait, come on, Cyan. Let's stay longer. It's barely past nine,” said Max. “Andrew's just scared we're gonna get caught trespassing and they'll kick you off the internship or something.” He slouched easily against the counter and watched for Andrew's reaction. But Andrew sat still. Cyan sat back down.

“Well, it is nice in here. I mean, nice for a plant anyway,” said Cyan. She picked up her glasses from the cool concrete and wiped the dew from the round lenses.

Andrew stood up. “Call an Uber. Text me when you get home. Have a good one, guys.” He slid one arm into his jacket and pushed the heavy door open to a blast of cool Autumn air. And then he was gone.

They stayed silently in their respective positions: Max against the counter and Cyan crisscross on the padded walkway. They listened as he drove off.

“Guess he was tired,” Max said.

Tables of research crops lined the sides of the cozy greenhouse, their stalks tall and proud like lamp posts lining a promenade. Cyan was looking through them and out of the large streaked windows into the darkening evening. He knew she was looking toward the small, empty parking lot. And then her eyes fixed on his.

“You've really never lost a fight? You must have provoked millions.” She paused only briefly. “At some point, an Andrew of the world is going to use his Eagle Scout skills and teach you to shut up once in a while.”