. . .

The jaguar is stalking his cage.

He is fiery and magical. He is Bahlum, king of beasts, and his eyes hold the eras of the world.

He looks at Emily and that look sweeps through her. It cuts through her like the wind. She is adrift. She feels herself to be floating. Her eyes are widening. She points.

“Mommy,” she says. She cannot find a better way to put it. “Mommy, mommy, jaguar!”

“He’s on fire, honey,” prompts Emily’s mom.

“Jaguar, jaguar!”

It is an instant, unconditional, and terrifying love.

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