An AWOL is supposed to open up to them, to find solace in their acceptance, not the other way around. He vows to shutter his heart a little more securely. The next day, Wil’s spooning out breakfast porridge for Lev and himself when his father calls. Ma takes the call in the study, expecting bad news, but then comes out to put it on speaker because it turns out to be the kind of news everyone should hear. “We bagged a mountain lion a half hour out in today’s hunt,” Wil hears his father say. “Pivane is already harvesting his heart.” Intense relief reverberates through the house. Even Lev, who met Grandfather only once, seems overjoyed. “Wil, go now and tell your grandfather,” Ma says. “And be quick about it. For once, good news will travel faster than bad.” Wil grabs his guitar and asks Lev to come along. He even takes Lev in the elevator rather than making him struggle down the ropes. • “You’re a stubborn man, Grandfather, but you finally got your lion heart!”
