History of Wolves

Linda begins taking Paul to walk through the woods while Patra edits Leo’s manuscript. Patra gives them a backpack with supplies, and Paul holds Linda’s hand as they walk, surprising her with how trusting he is—unlike animals. Linda thinks Paul takes her for granted, wordlessly asking for help or stopping to pee frequently. One day, they come across a nest of ducklings, and Paul hurries over to grab one but pulls back with fright. The interaction annoys Linda, as she wants him “to take the duckling and do something heartless and boyish” (43) so that she could teach him to be kind. For a moment, she has the urge to throw a rock toward them just to show Paul to be “scared of the right things” (43). Soon they come across deer, and Paul is frightened. Linda reminds him that, as prey, the deer are more afraid of them. Despite herself, though, she has the sudden sensation that the deer are about to attack. 

When back at Paul’s house, Linda works to keep Patra’s attention. Patra pays Linda for watching Paul, and Linda rolls the bill up and peers through it like a telescope, joking that she sees Patra.