“Love isn’t about hunger,” said Ina, putting a plate in front of Kier.

“Isn’t it?” Kier grabbed the piece of meat with his hand and bit into it. “You’re hungry for a person. And their time, and attention, their looks, words, thoughts, laughter, and touch. And you strive for it like a stomach growling maniac.” Kier put a fry in his mouth and gave a sigh of delight. “And that’s exactly what the smell of fries does to me.”

“Huh,” said Ina, looking at her own plate.

Medes and Peppermint looked at each other.

“Squirrel,” said the owl.

“Chicken,” said the fox.