Ms. Manon barely stepped into the kitchen before coming back out.

“There are only eight sets of bowls and utensils,” she said. “Director, maybe you should split everyone into groups so we can eat in turns.”

The director nodded and began organizing.

After past experiences, the Newtons—Noah, Sylvia, and their mother—along with Remi, had settled down quietly, no longer fighting over food.

The director paired them at the back, and though they were clearly annoyed, they dared not complain.

By the time evening rolled around, around eight o’clock, everyone finally managed to eat a bowl of noodles. Making noodles from scratch was exhausting.

Thankfully, the power hadn’t gone out, the...