"We don't know that. If famine only happened when people were expecting it, no one would ever starve to death." And that's why, to Howard, the best idea is to always expect it. Store food and prepare for the worst.

He gives Barbara an irate look like he doesn't appreciate her implication that his fears are for nothing - it doesn't read to him as comforting, but patronizing.

"Anyway, you're free to go whenever. Good luck house hunting."