The One And Only Ivan

From the window of his domain, Ivan sees George and Mack pasting pieces of paper to the mall billboard on the highway, adding a picture of a small elephant who “doesn’t look like Ruby” (83). After just one day spent with Ruby, Ivan thinks he “could have drawn her better” (84).

Ruby asks Ivan many questions, including why he loves art. Ivan answers that when he’s creating a picture, he feels “quiet inside” (86). Ruby continues with her endless questions, until Ivan pretends to sleep. He’s “surprise[ed]” by a memory of his father sleeping while Ivan tried “every trick” (87) to awaken him. Now, it occurs to Ivan that his father may not have been “such a sound sleeper after all” (87).

George give Stella—“his favorite” (88)—a treat as he does every night, then tells Mack the elephant’s foot might be infected. Mack responds that with his finances as they are, he can’t pay for a vet “every time she sneezes” (89).