It was true that getting anything like a conversation out of Carl was work enough. Getting any personal details or a life story was like asking for a bedtime story from a brick.

He settles back to lean against the table, hands in his pockets. No, he doesn't care if people might want some food behind him. Those people can screw off.

"We go when the boss says it's time to go." Simple, direct. He's not having a blast either but it's his job to stand around and mind the kids, so that's what he's doing.