Elle reaches the ends of the carrots, not affording her fingers quite as much safety as others might, though she manages not to inflict any damage. She snaps up one of the slices and slips it into her mouth before tipping the cutting board into the pot.

For quality assurance, we'll assume.

After a pause, perhaps to decide, she reaches for a few stalks of celery.

Without looking up, she asks, "Is that okay?"