Squirm

In only a few days, Billy will have to return to Florida, so Lil and Summer want to make the rest of his time with them memorable. The next day, they drive to Yellowstone National Park. During the summer, the place is crawling with tourists stopping to take wildlife photos. One woman unwisely gets out of her car to snap a shot of a bison, and Billy intervenes before she is crushed by the angry animal. Both Lil and Summer are impressed by his quick action. Billy tries leaving a message on his father’s satellite phone but gets no response. He calls his mother to tell her about the incident, and she is equally disappointed in the behavior of her ex-husband.

Back at the house, Billy wanders down to the river, where he sees a golden eagle for the first time. That night, Summer announces that she and Lil have come up with an honorary name for the boy—Billy Big Stick. Summer explains, “When a fishing guide takes out a new sport who turns out to be super-good with a fly rod, the real deal, they call him a Big Stick” (72). The name is meant to be an indicator of Billy’s character since he isn’t afraid to face tough situations head-on.