Summary

In Chapter 8, Vivian returns from work, announcing that lots of people are hunting the leopard. While Vivian sees it as an exciting development, Bethie is still at the main house, apparently wary the leopard might attack as she crosses the yard. Grady notes that looking back, he understands why his mother felt fear while Vivian, untouched by the war, was not worried. When Grady asks if they are in danger, Vivian, Babi, and Bethie rush to reassure him. When Big Dan arrives, Danny mockingly says Grady is afraid of the leopard. Big Dan feels sure the leopard just wants to get home. The adults have quiet conversations about a problem that day. When Grady hears that Frank got fired, he is terrified that Frank burned up. The others rush to assure him that Frank is fine, but Big Dan says Frank was out...