723

 Breakfast is simple and unpretentious this morning.  Melissa has set out several boxes of cereal, a couple of loaves of bread and the toaster is on the table for all to use,  and there is a big bowl of oranges and a couple of bunches of ripening bananas.  There is a big four litre jug of milk on the table, a jar of brown sugar, and a pitcher of orange juice with several glasses at the ready., and various jars of jam and peanut butter.  And coffee.  Breakfast is just us, because the community does their own thing in their wing of the house.  No one appears interested in talking and Jesús is scrolling on his smartphone.

"Put it away Jesús", says Melissa, a bit grumpier than usual.

"I am reading a text from my mom in Bogotá."

"She can wait.  You're being rude."

"You're being rude", Carl says to his sister.  "Let him look at his phone if he wants."

"I agree with Melissa", says Carol.  "Jesús, there is a time and a place.  Do you understand?" she adds, trying to sweeten her tone a little.

"I understand", says Jesús, putting his phone in his pocket.  "I apologize."

"Hey", says Carl, trying to lighten things up, "Is everyone ready to get poked this morning?"

"Carl", growls Melissa, "Must you?"

"Must I what?"

"Bring sex into everything.  You really are getting a bit old for this, you know:"

"Hey Mel, it ain't my mind that's in the gutter."

"As you wish", she says flatly, getting up to bring over the coffee pot."

"Aren´t we a cheerful and happy lot today", says Aaron, grinning.

"Oh, do shut up", barks Carol, and then she starts to laugh...