"Sure, kid. One serving of everything, coming right up!" The slender man replied with a grin, revealing his yellow-stained teeth."
He wordlessly began to fill a plate with food, his movements mechanical, devoid of the warmth Alex had come to expect in the academy.
Alex noticed a red and angry rash on his exposed wrist against the pale skin as the man worked.
It struck him as odd - a chef with a skin condition, especially one handling food. He wondered if it was an allergy, perhaps to some exotic spice or herb used in the kitchen.
The sight unsettled him, but his growling stomach urged him to dismiss the concern. He tried to break the silence.
"It's pretty quiet tonight. Where is everyone?"
The man didn't respond, didn't even acknowledge the question. He simply pushed the loaded plate across the counter towards Alex and turned away, going back into the kitchen area.
