[feels his stress level rise again immediately - it had just started to go down a little as long as she was busy]

[offers a tiny smile of appreciation as he grabs some chips, though]

Thank you.

I only get hungry after many hours, even when other people have food! But... when I am hungry, then I can't do anything else until I eat.

...

[that sounded stupid, didn't it?]

[feels sheepish and turns back to the onions]