A quirked eyebrow. "Kid, if you think skipping one meal is going to put me on death's doorstop, you need a better opinion of women." Her tone is somewhere between amused and chiding.

She produces a lollipop from one pocket and unwraps it with a flourish, popping it into her mouth. It's a wonder how she came by it, given the rationing — and from the coy look on her face, she's not planning on telling.

"I already spoiled my appetite, so don't worry about it." A wink. "Food shouldn't be wasted, right? It's just gonna end up in the trash if you don't take it."