Coconut Grove this town is wasted and alone.

The stranger’s comments made his mind turn toward Killdeer rather than Sialuk. He had greatly enjoyed the time spent on the road with his best buddy. But he knew Killer was leaning toward settling somewhere. Caracal had thought he might do the same, yet now his feelings had definitely changed. And despite this guy’s—Fox’s, apparently—opinion on the matter, the thought of traveling solo intrigued him.

Fox took a moment to share the merits of a coconut. Mind made up, the yearling fetched the nearest one. It was rather unwieldy to carry, yet he supposed he’d manage. He let it drop for a moment, just barely missing his freshly healed ankle, though Caracal didn’t notice.

Well, thanks for the tips. Take care, Fox!

It was only halfway home that that name clobbered him over the head. That was his uncle’s name, as well as his grandmother’s! He paused and glanced over his shoulder, though Fox was miles away now. Caracal shrugged and faced forward, his jaw aching as the coconut’s husk tickled his tongue. Honestly, he wasn’t sure it was going to make it all the way back to Sialuk.