The One and Only Family

One day, Maya brings Ivan’s son close to the fence and tells Ivan to say hello. Ivan watches as the little gorilla’s hand is guided through the fence. The fact that this is happening “strikes [Ivan] as yet another miracle” (126).

Ivan extends one finger, and his son grabs hold. Ivan simply stares, amazed. He tries to puzzle out why babies grab their parents’ fingers, but he can’t. When Maya smiles, Ivan knows that he has passed “the most important test [he] will ever face” (128).

A little bit at a time, Ivan is allowed to spend time with Kinyani and the babies. The first time he holds his daughter, he fears that he’ll break her. Kinyani says that the babies are stronger than they look, and to prove it, Ivan’s daughter yanks on his fur. Kinyani comments that the babies are more fun than demon dolls. Ivan wants to laugh but doesn’t because “the little one in [his] arms is already fast asleep” (130).