The cafeteria felt almost cozy. Facts about pumpkins were written in fancy lettering on a wooden-framed chalkboard with a reminder: Try our delicious pumpkin bread or mouth-watering pumpkin muffins. Gluten free! All different sizes and colors of pumpkins tumbled artistically around a display table. We each ordered a pumpkin muffin, and Hannah got a cup of coffee while I ordered my chai.

