The first time it happened, Daisy almost convinced herself it really was just a coincidence.

She had been sitting alone in the cafeteria, hunched over a plate she’d barely touched. The fork rested in her hand, unmoving, as she stared down at the mashed potatoes like they might start speaking to her if she waited long enough. Her roommate had begged her to come out instead of eating instant noodles in bed again, and Daisy had reluctantly agreed, mostly to shut her up.

She was halfway through picking at the food when a shadow stretched across her tray.

“Wow,” a voice said, low and almost playful. “Didn’t realize potatoes could...