1269_UgliesFreeBook

204 Scott Westerfeld
already had a hint of David’s self-assurance. Somehow, they
carried the authority of middle pretties without the firm
jaw, the subtly lined eyes, or the elegant clothing. They
spent lunch talking about projects they were up to. A canal
to bring a branch of the creek closer to the Smoke; new patterns
for the sheep wool their sweaters were made from; a
new latrine. (Tally wondered what a “latrine” was.) They
seemed so serious, as if their lives were a really complicated
trick that had to be planned and replanned every day.
The food was serious too, and was piled on their plates
in serious quantities. It was heavier than Tally was used to,
the tastes too rich, like whenever her food history class
tried to cook their own meals. But the strawberries were
sweet without sugar, and although it seemed weird to eat it
plain, the Smokies’ bread had its own flavor without anything
added. Of course, Tally would have happily devoured
anything that wasn’t SpagBol.
She didn’t ask what was in the stew, though. The
thought of dead trees was enough to deal with in one day.
As they emptied their plates, Shay’s friends started
pumping Tally for news from the city. Dorm sports results,
soap opera story lines, city politics. Had she heard of anyone
else running away? Tally answered their questions as
best she could. No one tried to hide their homesickness.
Their faces looked years younger as they remembered old
friends and old tricks.
Then Astrix asked about her journey here to the Smoke.