"The best kind," Everly said. "We will pay in water and in elbow work."
"And in not being stupid," Evelyn said. "That currency spends cleanest."
They stepped into the aisle with the slow river of bodies. On the platform, Elira spoke to two teachers and a technician without looking at any notes.
Her voice carried just enough to reach them even as they walked. They heard fragments the way people hear instructions through a half-open door.
"Shift two ridges one degree south. Add echo-hunters to the gullies, light pressure only. Reward restraint on marked hives again.
Send three kettlebell tickets. One to the ankle. One to the boy who breathes like he wants the rock to applaud him. One to the girl who refuses to drop a perfect whip."
The trio moved with the crowd. Outside, afternoon gold leaned over the stone as if smoothing a blanket.
The smell of rain no longer felt like a rumor but an opinion. It would either fall or hold, and the city looked ready for either.
