Meanwhile, Emma Smith said, "Mom, kids do need to be taught, but don't be too rough." She then asked Tommy, "Are the dishes not to your taste?"
Thomas shook his head, and Emma asked again, "Why aren't you eating, then?"
Thomas choked out, "I can't eat."
Emma said, "Mom once taught you an ancient poem, 'Plowing and tilling under the noon sun, sweat dripping into the soil. Who knows that each grain on the plate, is a result of hard labor.' Do you remember?"
Thomas nodded. Emma continued, "This meal is served based on how much you usually eat. You're growing up, and no matter what, you shouldn't skip meals. Moreover, each grain of rice is painstakingly grown by farmers, so it's not right for you to waste so much food. How can you not feel guilty towards those hardworking farmers?"