章 37: Feelings (2)

"I hope you aren't the type to starve yourself because you think my mother will think poorly of you for eating," Tobias said as the food was placed on their plates.

"I've never been concerned about overeating around someone. I eat what satisfies me. The only rule I have for myself is that I never ate as if I didn't know how to use a knife and fork, creating a mess all over my mouth, hands, and dress. I take it that you have seen many not eat when your mother is around," Hazel replied, curious about it. 

"I have. Like this morning when there was so much on the table yet none of you made any efforts to eat. Is it because you are waiting for my mother to eat? She won't eat either, but if there is a rare chance she does, it will be little. My mother doesn't like to eat around anyone that is not family. That is why she is not eating with the other candidates tonight," Tobias explained.