Luke Ellis entered the lounge area known as the canteen with Kalisha Benson, George Iles, Iris Stanhope, and Nicky Wilholm. He noticed the vending machines again and the sign asking patrons to drink responsibly, reinforcing the unsettling mix of child facility and adult perks. The emptiness of the large space and pre-set five-person table underscored the controlled environment.

A staff member in pink scrubs, Norma, greeted them cheerfully and filled their water glasses. George tried humor, asking for a “Get Out of Jail Free card,” which Norma ignored with a fixed smile before returning to the kitchen. The group reviewed a dated menu listing starters, entrees, desserts, and sodas; Kalisha noted milk was available though not listed.

Iris confirmed the food was good and mentioned they were sometimes weighed, saying she had gained four pounds. Nicky responded with a grim joke about being fattened like Hansel and Gretel, repeating it with an expletive and glancing at a surveillance camera, highlighting constant monitoring and their resentment.

Kalisha added that Friday nights and Sunday noons featured all-you-can-eat buffets, which Nicky again linked to the Hansel and Gretel image. When Nicky called Norma back, she appeared immediately, further emphasizing the staff’s vigilance and control.

Luke ordered wings and American chop suey and ate heartily despite his fear and disorientation and his worry about his parents. The scene ended with the mundane reality of a “growing boy” appetite set against the sinister backdrop of the Institute’s comforts and constraints.