Summary

Chapter 2 is titled “Lilly Wiggins.” The date is Sunday, December 25, 2005. (The reader should note this chapter takes place some 75 years after the events of Chapter 1.) Lilly is writing a letter to Edwin, who is Otis's son. She recalls visiting the zoo with Edwin when he was just learning to talk. Edwin would call the panther a “line,” instead of “lion.” Lilly was very conscious of speaking properly because she wanted to become a teacher. Lilly had visited Edwin earlier today, and they heard a panther's roar, which sounded terribly lonely. Lilly fears that Edwin may worry that she is lonely, and she urges him not to worry about her. Lilly writes that Edwin has asked questions about his father, Otis, and about Lilly and Otis's parents. Lilly says she knows little about her father (John), and that she feels she knows nothing about...