She mumbled "thanks" as she chomped on some bread. It took all she had to resist eating all of the food he made for her.

Carl ate in quiet next to her, always pushing more food in her direction as she chewed. She pushed the dish aside after eating just enough to quiet her rumbling tummy.

“Done?”

She sprang off the chair after answering yes. After saying "thank you," she walked back into the living room.

Wait, Carl yelled.

She stood very still, waiting for him to continue speaking. But he didn't say a word.

She sighed and said, "I hate this," avoiding his gaze.

He then said, "Hate what?"...