"...Good question," says Robin.

Ethan just shrugs.

"I don't think I can apply anything I'm coming up with to other people," Bella says apologetically.

"Oh well. I'll manage."

"If you need help then of course you should ask."

She looks up at Ethan again. "Oh, I will."

"You're gonna try not to burn me out, too, right, Bella?"

"Yes. And I know I need a wider margin of safety on you than I do on me."

"Let's try not to burn anyone out," says Robin.

"I'm not sure burning out Trouble is even possible," muses Ethan, "but I'm also sure I don't want to find out at close range."

"Agreed on both counts."

He pets the still-apparently-sleeping Trouble.

"Is he still asleep? Do I even want to know what you did to him after I left?"

"He looks it, doesn't he? And you're welcome to ask."

"I think I will refrain."

He laughs.

"Robin, how far away are the fascinating pigeons?"

"Close enough," she says. "We could nip over there and say hello right now, if you wanted."

"Let's go as soon as Trouble wakes up."

"All right," says Robin.

Bella heads back to the kitchen table to spread Robin's notes out and skim them. She translates bits and pieces into her notebook.

Andi is a flopped heap of inertia.

Robin leans on Ethan and finishes her popsicle.