The unexpected question stunned Alexander. Nala gazed at him with sorrowful, big eyes. In one moment, he was the reliable 'big brother'—in the next, he couldn't even provide a meal.
Alexander winced and tried to change the subject to divert her attention. "Are you really hungry?"
"Yes!" Nala's tears teetered on the edge. She pouted and whimpered, "I was supposed to eat at the hotel with my mom... She even said we'd order braised bass..."
"Don't cry, don't cry! It's just a fish..."
"But I'm hungry!"
Alexander felt uneasy. Engaging her in conversation was proving difficult.
Finally, he managed to calm Nala. He had an idea and extended his arm to her, sleeves rolled up. "If you're truly starving, you can bite me first!"
Nala stared at him in disbelief.
"I come from a poor family, and we didn't always have food. When I was really hungry as a kid, I'd munch on... things that could keep hunger at bay."
Nala looked puzzled.
Alexander smiled and explained, "For example, when there was no bread, but the container still had its smell, I'd bite on the edge and pretend I was eating. Then I wouldn't feel hungry! And when neighbors cooked, I'd sniff the aroma under their door and imagine I was having a warm meal. Then I wouldn't be hungry!"
Alexander couldn't help but chuckle at Nala's astonished expression.
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