‘Where's your father hiding?’ She rubbed the rough-textured skin, trying to warm it. ‘If he thinks he's entertaining us, he's upter.’

Padmanabhan uttered a command in Malayalam, the regional language.

“I am surprised by how well the two other girls were able to meet my outrageous needs,” Ms. Schussel said, “especially by Sam’s ability to keep our friendship out of our roommateship most of the time.”

Vegetably speaking, they'll take beans, potatoes, and tomatoes.