For a moment, Eddie looks confused when Sam mentions that the delivery is a gift. And then he shakes his head a little, and says softly, "I wish they didn't have to do that."

The famine hasn't been kind to anyone. This particular neighbor turned to their chickens as a source of food, so they won't be needing chicken feed anymore. (Well, not until Eddie has some hatchlings to give them in the spring.)

"It was kind of nice, getting a preview of what the girls might be like when they grow up." Eddie comments, as he takes hold of the feed bag. "I gotta put this in the barn, otherwise... well, you know how Bobbin is." That is punctuated by a flicker of a smile.

"As for chickens, are you thinking one or two? They'd both be Thread's girls."