Pen took a bite of pastry, famished. Her eyes drifted closed and she barely detected her brother speaking to her. "Hmm? Oh, I've been wonderful, and you? Everyone is just fine..." She took another bite and savored it. "This has to be the best scone I've ever tasted," she murmured after swallowing. "I thought I would come here to town and take stock of what opportunities there might be. Perhaps I can be a teacher. Do you think that would be nice?"

She took a sip of tea.