The One and Only Ivan

more boxes

I wake up from a long morning nap. Bob is on my belly, but he isn’t asleep. He’s watching the ring, where four men are placing a large metal box.

It’s me sized.

“What’s that?” I ask, still blurry from sleep.

Bob nuzzles my chin. “I believe that box is for you, my friend.”

I’m not sure what he means. “Me?”

“They brought in a bunch of boxes while you were sleeping. Looks to me like they’re taking the whole lot of you,” he says casually, licking a paw. “Even Thelma.”

“Taking?” I repeat. “Taking us where?”

“Well, some to the zoo, probably. Others to an animal shelter where humans will try to find them homes.” Bob shakes himself. “So. I guess all good things must come to an end, huh?”

His voice is bright, but his eyes are faraway and sad. “I’m going to miss your stomach, big guy.”

Bob shuts his eyes. He makes an odd noise in his throat.

“But … what about you?” I ask.

I can’t tell if Bob’s just pretending to sleep, but he doesn’t answer.

I gaze at the huge, shadowy box, and suddenly I understand how Ruby feels. I don’t want to go into that box.

The last time I was in a box, my sister died.