Summary

Uncle Bob and Uncle Ivan get quiet after Ruby mentions Aunt Stella. They used to speak about her all the time with Ruby, but one day Ivan broke down and said he could no longer talk about her because he felt too upset that they were in the wonderful sanctuary with food and space and sun and flowers and friends—and poor Stella should have had the chance to be there, too. Ruby apologizes for bringing her up, but Uncle Bob says that it is good to talk about those who are missed. Then he makes a silly joke, and the mood lightens, but Ruby still feels hurt inside.

At night, the keepers take the elephants into the Elephant Pavilion to sleep for the night. Ruby asks Aunt Laheli if she would still have to have her Tuskday ceremony if she did not...