Cliff was starving. He hadn't eaten anything at breakfast but his anxiety had subsided somewhat since then. It was amazing what a long shower could do sometimes. His head felt clear.

If Nel was around, he'd find her sooner or later and there wasn't much he could do until then except wait. He piled his tray with spaghetti and surveyed the cafeteria for some familiar faces--

Well, that would do.

Albel wasn't usually his first choice, but it had been a while since their last unsuccessful talk. And that had been his own fault. Cliff carried his tray over..

"What happened to your arm?" ...and promptly put his foot into his mouth.