As the soup warmed in the kettle, the group sat in a circle, bags of canned goods and other supplies gathered at their feet. Jean took charge, dividing up the food into equal portions, trying to make sure everyone got something substantial. But as he worked, Blake suddenly spoke up, his voice taking on a passionate tone."Actually, Jean," Blake began, pushing his glasses up his nose, "I think we should consider a more equitable approach here. I mean, it's obvious that women, especially in a survival scenario, should get more food. The historical systems of patriarchy have consistently overlooked female nutritional needs, and now, of all times, we should be compensating for that."There was a moment of stunned silence as everyone processed what he'd just said. Jean stared at him, trying to keep his expression neutral. "So... you're saying we should give more food to the girls?"Blake nodded, his expression serious. "Exactly. I mean, look at it this way. Women, as nurturers, often take on emotional and physical burdens that men typically don't acknowledge. It's our duty to provide them with extra sustenance."Chloe, glancing at him with mild interest, scoffed. "More food? Well, I mean, if the rest of you are volunteering."Lucas rolled his eyes, smirking. "Oh, come on, man. Seriously? This isn't the time for one of your rants, Blake. We're all hungry. If we don't split it evenly, someone's gonna get pissed off."Evan gave a hesitant nod, looking around. "Yeah... I mean, no offense, but we all kinda need the food to stay alive. It's not about, like, 'patriarchy' or whatever right now."Blake frowned, his expression shifting to a look of mild offense. "Wow. Okay. I just thought we could use this as an opportunity to challenge societal norms, but if we're all just going to stick to outdated views—"Ms. Heather raised a hand, her voice calm but firm. "Blake, I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but let's be practical here. We have a limited amount of food, and the fairest approach is to split it equally. We're all working hard to survive."Blake seemed taken aback, his cheeks flushing slightly. "I... I mean, of course, Ms. Collins. I understand. I was just... making a suggestion."Chloe smirked, rolling her eyes. "Good idea, Heather. Let's keep things simple. Besides, I don't need anyone making 'special arrangements' for me." She shot Blake a look that was equal parts amused and disdainful.Jean shook his head, trying to hide a grin. "Alright, equal portions it is. Let's just keep it fair and keep moving forward."Blake fell silent, a slight look of deflation on his face, but he nodded, seeming to accept Ms. Heather's decision. They passed around the food, each person taking a portion as they huddled closer to the fire, grateful for a moment of peace—even if their group dynamics were as complicated as the situation they found themselves in.***As the group settled in to eat their portions, Brad took a deep breath, glancing over at Chloe, who was sitting a little ways off with her arms crossed, her expression set in a permanent scowl. He walked over to her, his face shifting into a slightly softer, almost apologetic look."Chloe, look... I know things got heated back there," he began, his voice lower than usual, "but you don't have to be mad at me forever. It was crazy, alright? I wasn't thinking."Chloe didn't even glance his way, her jaw clenched. "Oh, please. Save it, Brad. You ditched me back there when I needed you. That's not something I just 'get over.'"Brad sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look, I panicked, alright? It's not like I meant to just... leave you hanging. We all do dumb things when we're scared.""Right," Chloe snapped, finally turning to look at him, her expression icy. "Maybe that's something you do. But I don't stick around for guys who only look out for themselves."Brad opened his mouth, but his words faltered, clearly taken aback by the sharpness of her response. He swallowed, struggling to keep his composure as he tried again. "Chloe, come on. We're in the middle of... whatever the hell this is. Can't we just move past it?"Chloe scoffed, looking away from him, clearly done with the conversation. But then her eyes landed on Ethan, who was sitting nearby, trying to look like he wasn't listening but failing miserably. A spark of an idea flickered in her mind, and her expression shifted, a sly smile tugging at the corners of her lips.Without a second thought, she reached over, placing her hand gently on Ethan's, causing him to stiffen in surprise. "Actually, Brad," she said, her voice suddenly softer, almost teasing, "I think I've already got someone to look after me."Ethan's face turned bright red as he stared at her hand on his, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled to process what was happening. "Uh... uh, yeah," he stammered, glancing from Chloe's hand to her face with a look of sheer disbelief.Brad's eyes narrowed, a flash of irritation crossing his face. "Seriously? Him?"Chloe just gave Brad a sweet, dismissive smile. "Yeah. At least Ethan doesn't bail when things get rough." She leaned a little closer to Ethan, casting Brad a defiant look. "Right, Ethan?"Ethan nodded eagerly, his eyes wide. "Y-yeah! Totally. I'd... I'd never, you know, leave you behind or anything."Brad scoffed, crossing his arms. "Whatever, Chloe. Keep playing your little games. You think he's gonna keep you safe? Give me a break."Chloe's gaze hardened, her smile disappearing as she met Brad's glare head-on. "At least he's not some coward hiding behind his big talk. So yeah, maybe I'll stick with him instead."Brad clenched his jaw, clearly frustrated, but he bit back whatever retort he had, turning away with a muttered curse under his breath. He stalked off, muttering to himself as he walked, clearly more irritated than before.As soon as he was gone, Chloe pulled her hand back, leaving Ethan sitting there, still dazed from the unexpected attention. She gave him a quick, dismissive smile, patting his shoulder. "Thanks for playing along, Ethan."Ethan nodded, his face still flushed as he stared at her, clearly not fully comprehending the situation. "Uh... yeah, sure. Anytime, Chloe."She turned her attention back to her food, her expression unreadable. Meanwhile, Ethan sat there, a goofy grin spreading across his face as he glanced at her from the corner of his eye, clearly savoring the moment, oblivious to the fact that he'd just been used as a pawn in Chloe's power play.Q: What food would you pack for outdoors survival?