Page 44 of Evil Bones
“She went to check out UNCC,” Katy said.
“That isnottrue,” Ruthie said. “I’ve made some friends. They attend UNCC. End of story. I have zero interest in enrolling there. Or anywhere else. So don’t suggest otherwise to my lunatic mother.”
Alrighty, then.
“College doesn’t interest you. Fine. Whatdoes?”
Ignoring Katy’s annoyed tone, Ruthie answered quickly.
“Animals.”
“No surprise,” Katy said. “Given that your dad’s a vet.”
“What aspect?” I asked. “Species ecology? Physiology? Taxonomy?”
“Behavior,” Ruthie said.
“Aren’t you working a string of animal cases?” Katy asked me.
“Really?” Ruthie said, perking up.
Sliding a cautionary glance in my daughter’s direction, I said, “You know I can’t talk about—”
“Seriously, Mom?” she said, issuing an exasperated eye roll. “We’re not asking you to name names. We’re good with four-legged aliases.”
Katy was right. What could it hurt?
Choosing my words carefully, I provided a brief overview of Bear and the others. Ruthie listened, her emerald eyes showing surprising focus.
“Maybe it’s the animal’s reaction that triggers this guy’s need to actout,” she said after a short pause. “You know, the way a squirrel or a raccoon vibes.”
“What do you mean?”
“Different species deal with threat in different ways. You’ve heard of the four f’s for dogs?”
I shook my head.
“Flight, fight, fidget, or freeze.”
“Fart?”
Ruthie and I ignored Katy’s quip.
“Some animals try to make themselves look bigger,” she said. “Some can detach limbs or tails if trapped, mostly reptiles, I think. Sea cucumbers can actually eject internal organs.”
It was the first time Ruthie had shown enthusiasm for any topic. Wanting to encourage her, I said,
“You know a lot about animal behavior.”
“I read books on ethology. If I could work at a zoo someday, that would be a dream come true.”
“I’ve seen her in action,” Katy said. “She’s like a dog whisperer. Or cat, or toucan, or gerbil. Fill in the blank.”
“It’s nothing magical,” Ruthie said. “I just try to imagine what the animal is feeling. What it’s seeing, hearing, smelling. What it’s experiencing in that moment.”
“What it’s vibing.” I tried the Gen Z lingo.
“Facts. Then I act accordingly.”
