“Just coffee today,” Elmo told his mother at the breakfast table. “You’re too young to drink coffee,” she said. “You’re always playing grownup. Look at you! Dressed all in black. I suppose you’ll keep this up for the next few months.” Elmo finished his coffee. “No, mom, just today,” he said, and headed out, into a day that was cloudy with highs in the 20s. There was a chance of snow. Tomorrow would be the same but a little colder. As he headed to the bus stop, he whistled a cheerful tune to himself. About tulips.