Jordan poked his fork at something that had been labeled on the tray as
macaroni and cheese. It shared some of the visual characteristics of that foodstuff, but he remained a little suspicious of the glutinous, rubbery jiggle of what purported to be noodles. He should probably have gotten a sandwich. Maybe he would go get a sandwich. He put the fork down and started peeling the banana he'd picked up. The fruit, at least, was usually safe.
When someone set a tray down at his table, he looked up and smiled when he saw that it was Melvin. "I guess it is now," he replied. "Hey. How've you been?" The last time he'd seen Melvin was when they'd been far too drunk, and everything he'd seen of the man since then had been somewhat worrisome. But Melvin looked less haggard and haunted now, and even looked almost cheerful. Maybe he had started to cope better.