For Rue, food represents more than just sustenance. Because she was deprived of consistent, healthy meals as a child, her relationship with food is complicated. She sees that for many people, food is also tied to family traditions, community, fellowship, and love, but this was not her experience as a child. She feels that because she never had these essential experiences as a child, she does not deserve to have access to them as an adult, either.

As a result of her experiences with food scarcity, she never wants to eat on the run but sometimes finds it challenging to make time for the slow, sit-down meals she requires. Her childhood trauma also inspires her to develop a microbial coating that will extend the shelf life of food and benefit people experiencing food scarcity. Eli’s understanding of her needs around food marks him as a trustworthy individual, and during his time with her, he makes an effort to provide her with new, positive memories associated with food. As Eli and Rue grow closer and continue to share aspects of their lives with each other, Eli is happy to show his care and love by cooking for Rue, and she begins to take part in the emotionally satisfying aspects of food and starts to heal from her childhood trauma.