Norman keeps the spoon moving through the pot, slower now, matching the smudged note instead of guessing. The steam thins, and the texture settles into something cleaner.
Mateo
That looks right. Keep that pace.
At the serving lane, the revised setup holds. The imperfect batch stays on the back table, out of the rush, while the main line keeps moving.
Librarian
Good. The line is staying steady.
The Librarian lifts the prep sheet from Norman’s hand just long enough to point at the next timing mark, then nods toward the clock over the room.
Librarian
You have a few minutes before class starts. If you can finish this pass, you can still make it back on time.
Norman
The next class bell is not far off.
Norman stays with the pot a moment longer, choosing between the last careful stir and the growing pressure of the school day. Around him, the shelter rhythm keeps humming, and it is clear his volunteering is no longer just an extra hand, it is becoming part of the schedule he has to manage.
✓ Quest Accepted
Finish the revised stew pass