Her cousin, Kibo, laughed. “I want upside without the risk.” He bought an — the right, but not the obligation, to buy grass at 55 acorns in two moons. He paid a small premium of 5 acorns. If grass soared to 90, he’d exercise the option and profit. If grass crashed to 20, he’d let the option expire and only lose the 5 acorn premium.

One rainy season, Zuri noticed the grass was lush. Too lush. “A drought will come in three moons,” she whispered to her herd. “We should lock in today’s grass price for delivery next season.”

That was a — an agreement to buy or sell grass at a set price on a future date. Zuri sold grass futures at 50 acorns per bundle. If grass prices fell to 30 acorns later, she’d still get 50. If they rose to 70, she’d lose the difference — but she was hedging, not speculating.

Drought came. Grass prices fell to 25 acorns. Zuri’s futures locked in 50 — she prospered. Kibo’s call option expired worthless; he lost his premium but slept soundly, knowing his downside was capped.