“This is an emergency, everyone! This is not a drill. I repeat: this is not a drill. We are starving!” Stomach yelled, voice echoing like a foghorn across the body.

“What did you think was going to happen? She opened the fridge and didn’t touch anything,” Eyes snapped, unimpressed.

“There were leftovers! She opened the drawer full of cheese!” Stomach whined. “I think she’s punishing us. Maybe she even hates us.”

“I can still taste toothpaste,” Mouth mumbled, vaguely offended.

“This is it. I’m going to sound the alarm,” Stomach growled.

“Your whale calls will only embarrass her further,” Eyes muttered, watching the room. “Brain has already shut us out.” A pause. “She’s having a business meeting with Mr. Can’t Shave and Mr. Eyes-on-Her-All-the-Time.”

“Brain! Please help us! Do something, you old fart!” Stomach roared.

Brain said nothing. Stretched too far, it pulsed with pressure: deadlines, expectations, small talk, tight money, too much to do. The words spiraled in loops.

…

“They just wheeled in the coffee cart!” Eyes gasped. “And they have donuts!”

“I swear, if she doesn’t make a move, a revolution will begin!” Stomach cried dramatically.

A collective hush.

“She’s reaching for a donut... and a coffee,” Eyes whispered, almost reverently.

“Sugar, heat, roasted warmth,” Nose shudders with pleasure.

“Finally. They told her she’s doing a good job — especially on such a tight budget. She might even be getting a promotion after this,” Ears chimed in, practically glowing.

“Ohhh, the flavors of sweet and bitter...” Mouth sighed, “a perfect combination of joy and caffeine.”

“Ooooh yes. This will do,” Stomach murmured, blissful and full of dramatic forgiveness.

“You all act like she was going to starve us,” Brain said, finally speaking up. “It’s only eleven in the morning. Get it together.” A pause. “I’ll tell her that the cute guy she’s been thinking about might be at the new pizza place around the corner.”

“I heard they have homemade ranch,” Mouth added dreamily.

“And if he’s there, maybe she’ll finally get the chance to talk to him,” Heart sang, all fluttery.

Brain chuckled. “From starvation to flirtation and ranch. What a beautiful day.”