"Thank you for helping the kids get to school this morning," Bashira pats Abebe's back.
"As always, it's my pleasure," Abebe grins.
Bashira holds back her blush. Walking into the throng, she is swallowed up by the crowd.
"Follow me," Abebe addresses the group and leads the procession into the circle's activity.
Across the circle, beyond the people rushing and lurking, is a rectangular opening in the concrete wall. White-blue light shines from within the wall's entrance, casting its smoothly plastered walls in an eery glow.
As people pass by, they respectfully swerve around the procession, throwing Abebe glances of gratefulness. Abebe must be their chef.
Noe nears the rectangular entrance.
Recognizing the familiar scent of salted garlic, cilantro, and rosemary, Daniel says from behind Noe, "That must lead to the kitchen."