Fern: What are you doing?
Pop: Fern, go back to bed.
Fern: You're not going to kill it, are you?
Pop: It's a runt. Now, go back to bed.
Fern: No, it's not fair! It can't help being born small.
Pop: Careful.
Fern: If I'd been born small, would you have killed me?
Pop: Of course not. A little girl is one thing. A runty pig is another.
Fern: There's no difference! This is unfair and unjust. How could you be so heartless?
Pop: Come here. I want to show you something. You see that? You see? There's 11 pigs and only 10 teats. The sow can't feed it, honey.
Fern: Then I will. I'll feed you and take care of you and absolutely will not let you kill him.
Avery: Hey! When did Fern get a pig?
Mom: Avery, it's rude to point. Give me that. Come, sit, eat your breakfast. The bus will be here any minute.
Pop: Good morning.
Avery: Hey, Pop, can I have a pig, too?
Pop; No. I only give pigs to early risers. Fern was up before dawn, ridding the world of injustice.
Fern, put that pig down and get to school. Avery.
Pop: See ya.
Avery: Bye, Pop.
Pop: Have a good one, buddy. It says here we're gonna get a lot of rain this month.
Mom: Fern! Your books!
Fern: Bye.