Cultivating Hope

Hank smacked his lips, like he was still enjoying that cool taste.

Before he could finish, Mabel cut in with a grin. "Why be scared of a little bitterness? At times like this, the scary thing is having nothing to eat or drink. And people used to say bitter food is healthy anyway!"

Carla stood beside her, smiling too. She didn't say anything, but it was clear she was in a very good mood.

The arriva