Coconut Grove this town is wasted and alone.

No, he replied right away, because it was the truth. Then, more slowly, Caracal repeated, No… I haven’t… And maybe he should consider it, though he knew Sialuk well enough by now that the idea of asking her to uproot was almost absurd. Oh, he loved the thought, but there were so many reasons why Caracal didn’t think he could ask her that.

But speaking of her, I should head back. It’s a long trip and I know she’ll worry about me, ‘specially with my bum foot. It was nice meeting you, Mr, um…? He paused, in case the guy wanted to give a name.

Before he left, there was one last thing on the yearling’s mind. What is that? he asked, pointing at a coconut lying on the ground over yonder. I want to take a souvenir back to her. I can’t really hunt right now, so maybe… It looked like something interesting and unique, but did it serve any sort of purpose?